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.
Given the fact that there are hundreds of different types of small engines in use, 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.
Training Is Important. Check out what the U.S. Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics 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.
» Read more: Motorcycle, Marine, and Small Engine Mechanics – Career Training Opportunities
