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Apprenticeship

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician

Outdoor power equipment technicians repair, service and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered marine, power, recreational, construction and turf equipment.

Also Known As

Garden Equipment Technician, Gasoline Engine Technician, Lawn and Garden Equipment Technician, Marine Equipment Technician, Power Equipment Technician, Recreation Equipment Technician, Service Technician, Small Engine Mechanic, Turf Equipment Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7335: Other Small Engine and Equipment Mechanics

2006 NOC-S

  • H435: Other Small Engine and Equipment Mechanics

2011 NOC

  • 7335: Other small engine and small equipment repairers

2016 NOC

  • 7335: Other small engine and small equipment repairers

2021 NOC

  • 72429: Other small engine and small equipment repairers

2023 OaSIS

  • 72429.00: Other small engine and small equipment repairers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In Alberta, the outdoor power equipment technician trade has the following branches:

  • Power equipment technicians repair, service and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered equipment such as generators, mowers, aerators, golf carts, chain saws and various types of construction equipment.
  • Recreational equipment technicians repair, service and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered equipment such as snowmobiles, recreational multi-wheeled utility vehicles, outboard motors, jet drives in boats and personal watercraft.

In general, outdoor power equipment technicians:

  • Review and interpret work orders and technical manuals
  • Inspect engines, motors and other mechanical components and use test devices to diagnose and isolate faults
  • Adjust, repair or replace mechanical 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
  • Advise customers on work performed and general condition of equipment
  • Estimate repair costs
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Working conditions vary.

Power equipment technicians may work indoors in shops or they may travel to make service calls. Hours of work vary from regular hours to long and hectic hours during busy seasons.

Recreational equipment technicians usually work indoors in shops and occasionally outdoors. Most work a 40-hour, 5-day week. However, some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required particularly during the busier months.

Outdoor power equipment technicians may be required to lift and move items that weigh up to 65 kilograms. They must stand for long periods and sometimes work in awkward, tight, or confined spaces. The work often is dirty and greasy, and is noisy when engines are being tested. There is some risk of injury when working with hand and power tools, or with hot engines and sharp edges. Ventilation systems reduce the risk involved in working indoors near exhaust fumes.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other Small Engine and Equipment Mechanics

2006 NOC: 7335

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to use test devices to diagnose and isolate faults, and to test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance

METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing information to perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment

innovative

Interest in speaking with supervisor to discuss work to be done and to review work orders

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Outdoor power equipment technicians need:

  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Logical thinking
  • Basic computer skills
  • Customer relations skills
  • The ability to work alone or in a team
  • An interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics and precision equipment

They should enjoy doing precise work, solving problems and working with their hands.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other small engine and small equipment repairers

2016 NOC: 7335

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 51 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and Dec 02, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Dental plan
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Gasoline-powered equipment
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Adjust, repair or replace parts using hand tools and equipment
Tasks: Test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance
Tasks: Perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment
Organized
Reliability
Attention to detail
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, an outdoor power equipment technician must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate
  • Someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson
  • Self-employed

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

The term of apprenticeship for the power equipment technician branch is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:

  • 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of technical training in the first year
  • 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the second and third year

The term of apprenticeship for the recreational equipment technician branch is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:

  • 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year
  • 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the second and third year

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Outdoor power equipment technicians need to stay up to date with changes in technology.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Those who are certified have good prospects in a variety of career paths.

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician

Outdoor power equipment technicians repair, service and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered marine, power, recreational, construction and turf equipment. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Outdoor Power Equipment Technician.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Outdoor power equipment technicians are employed by private and public sector employers in a variety of industries. They may be employed by:

  • Equipment distributors
  • Retailers
  • Rental companies
  • Construction companies
  • Landscaping companies
  • Golf courses
  • Parks and recreation departments
  • Forestry companies
  • Equipment manufacturers

Experienced technicians may move into supervisory or service manager positions, be self-employed or start their own businesses. In the recreational equipment field, technicians may experience seasonal layoffs during the winter months.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other small engine and small equipment repairers
2016 NOC: 7335

77.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other small engine and small equipment repairers
2021 NOC: 72429
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other small engine and small equipment repairers
2016 NOC: 7335
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
13
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson outdoor power equipment technicians wage rates vary, but generally range from $21 to $28 an hour, plus benefits (2020 estimates).

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other small engine and small equipment repairers

2016 NOC: 7335
Average Wage
$23.53
Per Hour
Average Salary
$44,425.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.3
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7335 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $28.85 $18.62 $18.00
Overall $19.00 $31.50 $23.53 $19.89
Top $20.00 $42.00 $26.19 $21.63

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
60%
60%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
42%
42%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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