Education experience for motorcycle and small engine repair worker

How do you prepare for an education and train for small engine repair?

It's easy to start preparing for a career as a small engine mechanic while in high school. Many high schools offer basic courses in electronics, mechanics, business math and science.

• Many employers hire high school students part-time and in the summer to perform minor repairs in a mechanical shop. Trainees learn basic service tasks that prepare them for a full time career in the field.
• You can opt for a less-common career preparation track by learning on the job. However, in tighter economic times, these types of opportunities are extremely limited.
• Enrolling in courses offered by specific manufacturers and distributors is another way to gain knowledge and experience.

What does small engine repair training consist of?

Most small engine and motorcycle repair training consists of an experienced mechanic guiding you through novice tasks such as replacing ignition and electrical parts, as well as learning how to use diagnostic equipment. Once a trainee has excelled in the field and gained experience, more difficult tasks are taken on such as engine and transmission overhauls. Often, it takes a couple of years of intensive training for a beginner to gain practical experience in all areas of small engine repair.

Typical areas of focus for small engine repair coursework:

• Basic engine mechanics
• Outdoor power equipment
• Fundamentals of small engines
• Two and four-stroke cycle engines
• Direct drive power trains
• Chain driven power trains
• Marine engines and turbines