Small Engine Mechanics

Description

You usually hear them on Sunday morning, really early, like 10 o'clock. They're the whining, buzzing engines of lawn mowers, garden tractors, and leaf blowers. And although you sometimes wish they wouldn't, someone actually fixes these machines when they break down. That someone could be you, if you pursue a career as a small engine mechanic.

Mechanics who work on small engines do some of the same things as auto mechanics or motorcycle mechanics--they test, repair and service engines. It's just that they work on SMALL gasoline and diesel-powered equipment such as lawn mowers and outboard motors. They need to talk to the owner, listen to the machine, maybe even try it out, to determine what the problem is. Once it's repaired, they must test again, to make sure the original problem is solved.

Specific duties

Small engine mechanics:

• review work orders and discuss work to be performed with supervisor
  
• inspect and test engine, motors and mechanical components to diagnose and isolate faults
  
• adjust, repair or replace mechanical or electrical system parts
  
• test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance
  
• perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment
  
• determine estimates of repair cost, and advise customers on work performed and general condition of equipment
  

Related careers

You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties.

• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Skilled Tradespeople

High school path

A CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.

Recommended Courses
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English
ENG1D English, Grade 9, Academic or ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied	ENG2D English, Grade 10, Academic or ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied	ENG3E English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	ENG4E English, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Math
MFM1P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 9, Applied or MPM1D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic	MFM2P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied or MPM2D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic	MEL3E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	MEL4E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Science
SNC1D Science, Grade 9, Academic or SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied	SNC2D Science, Grade 10, Academic or SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied	SPH4C Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation

* a job shadowing/co-op experience is recommended

Post-secondary options

• You will need at least some secondary school education.
  
• Then you might want to complete an apprenticeship program (as either Marine Engine Mechanic or Small Engine Technician) or you can combine several years of work experience in the trade with some high school or college courses in small engine or equipment repair.
  
• It's not compulsory, but trade certification is available in Ontario.
  

There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations.

The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.

Institution	Programs offered
College
Durham College - Skills Training Centre (Whitby)	Small Engine Mechanic - Apprenticeship
Fleming College	Small Engine Mechanic - Apprenticeship
Sault College	Marine and Small Powered Equipment Mechanic - Basic (with Pre-Apprenticeship Option)
Registered Career College
Granton Institute of Technology	Diesel Engine Mechanics Service and Repair Certificate Small Engine Mechanics
School Board
Bluewater District School Board	Shopwork (School Board)
District School Board of Niagara	Shopwork (School Board)
Ottawa Carleton District School Board	All courses offered at Ottawa Carleton Do It Yourself (School Board)
Peel District School Board	Crafts, Handiwork and Hobbies (School Board)
Toronto District School Board	Shopwork (School Board)

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Career path

Wondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience?

You start as an apprentice, get lots of experience, and then you can train and supervise other mechanics. If you've got an independent streak, you can open your own shop.

Employers

These are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field:

dealer service shops
independent service establishments

Work environment

Mechanics usually work in a repair shop or dealership. Your work may be seasonal depending on the equipment you specialize in.

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. It's inevitable.

Common job titles

Also Known As....

Air-cooled engine mechanic
Gasoline powered lawn mower repairer
Motor boat mechanic
Outboard motor mechanic
Small engine repairer
Small equipment mechanic apprentice
Small equipment repairer

For more information

Links to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.

• Apprenticeship: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  Information about apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario including training info, contacts, etc.

• Canadian Technology Human Resources Board
  Be sure to check out their Look Ahead, Get Ahead (under Career Choices on left nav.) for terrific info about wide-open choices available.