Jet skis. Chain saws. Motorcycles. Lawn mowers. Portable generators. Snow blowers. Everywhere you look there are small engines that power tools and vehicles. These engines have one thing in common: sooner or later, they all need maintenance and repair.

 

From recreational vehicles such as motorboats to power tools including leaf blowers, small internal combustion engines are in daily use in America. If you love working with your hands, don’t mind a little grease, and enjoy making things work properly, then a career as a small engine mechanic may be just for you.

 

Of course, most mechanics and technicians specialize. The neighborhood shop owner who fixes your lawn mower isn’t going to repair your jet ski. The mechanic who tunes up your Harley is probably not going to be able to service your Yahama outboard marine motor. This is because the mechanics and technicians of today often use computer diagnostics and other sophisticated instruments, and often receive training from a manufacturer or a certified technical school.

 

Yes, training! Check out what the U.S. Government says: “Due to the increasing complexity of motorcycles and motorboats, employers prefer to hire mechanics who have graduated from formal training programs.”* Most motorcycle and motorboat mechanics work for authorized dealerships, and specialize in the brand sold by the dealer. They must often complete a manufacturer-authorized training program, and may even be sent for yearly refresher courses to expand their knowledge and keep up with new products.

 

Where to get training? At EducationForCareers.com, you have access to a wide variety of technical schools, many of which offer dealer-authorized training programs. For example, let’s say you want to pursue marine mechanics. A typical training program might last 60 weeks. Generally, a program is in two parts. The first part offers basic training in a wide variety of areas. Topics covered could include two- and four-stroke engines, outboard engines, stern drive engines, electrical systems, fuel systems, trim and tilt, and hull design. Students are given hands-on training with diagnostic, repair, and maintenance equipment. Many programs include information on the business skills needed to own and operate a maintenance shop or dealership.

Once the basic theory and technology section of the program is completed, students often progress to manufacturer-sponsored courses, such as Marine Honda, Marine Volvo Penta, Marine Suzuki, Mercury MercTech, or Marine Yamaha. The goal is to give the graduate the skills and experience needed to begin a career as an entry-level marine technician.

 

How are the job prospects? According to the U.S. Government, during the current decade from 2006 to 2016, “job prospects should be excellent for people who complete formal training programs.”* That’s good news! During the decade, the number of retired persons will increase, and they have the leisure time and income to spend on recreational equipment such as motorcycles and motorboats. The steady increase in the population of

 

Boats, motorcycles, jet skis and more—there are millions of tools and vehicles in America using small engines, and the number is expected to increase. Sounds like a pretty good career choice for the right person.