Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician do?

Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians repair, service and maintain all small gasoline and diesel powered equipment such as outboard and inboard motors, jet drives in boats and personal watercraft (PWC), stern drives, lawn and garden equipment, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and similar multi-wheeled vehicles and related trailers.
A Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician is trained to do the following jobs:

• Review and interpret work orders and technical manuals
• Inspect and test engine, motors and other mechanical components using test devices to diagnose and isolate faults
• Adjust, repair or replace mechanical, fuel or electrical system parts and components using hand tools and equipment
• Test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance
• Perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment
• Estimate cost of repairs

What skills/abilities are required?

Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians need a mechanical ability and an interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics and precision equipment. They also must be able to think logically and keep up to date with changes in technology. Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians must be able to work alone or as part of a team and must be comfortable working in awkward, tight or confined spaces in all types of weather. Customer service skills are also important for this trade. 

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is three years consisting of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentice Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians must take some theory instruction during each level of their apprenticeship training. Subjects include:

• Trade-related Mathematics, Communications and Documents
• Fasteners, Bearings and Sealants
• Fundamentals of Engines
• Fuel Systems
• Exhaust Systems
• Electrical Principles
• Ignition Systems
• Fundamentals of Four-Stoke Cycle Engines

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently. For this trade an employer may maintain a 1:2 ratio of journeypersons to apprentices.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. Contact the HSAP Coordinator for more information.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is recommended, including courses in Math. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Certification Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on How to Start. 

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write a provincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or higher to qualify for a provincial Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.  

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians work in both private and public sectors, in a number of different industries based on specialized equipment. Some work for equipment distributors, retailers, rental companies, parks and recreation (landscaping maintenance and builders, golf courses, forestry companies) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Some Technicians may open their own garage of marine and outdoor power equipment business.

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