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
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:
| Starting | $22.50 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $26.16 |
| Top | $30.60 |
Interest in precision working to use test devices to diagnose and isolate faults, and to test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance
Interest in analyzing information to perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment
Interest in speaking with supervisor to discuss work to be done and to review work orders
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 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.
In general, outdoor power equipment technicians:
In Alberta, the outdoor power equipment technician trade is divided into two branches:
Working conditions vary:
Outdoor power equipment technicians may be required to lift and move items that weigh up to about 65 kilograms. The work often is dirty and greasy, and 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.
Outdoor power equipment technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy doing precise work, solving problems and working with their hands.
To work in Alberta, an outdoor power equipment technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:
The term of apprenticeship for the two branches of this trade is 3 years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of:
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 credit or certification.
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.
For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Outdoor power equipment technicians repair, service and maintain small gasoline and diesel powered equipment. In Alberta, this trade is divided into two branches: power equipment technician and recreational equipment technician. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's TradeSecrets website.
Under Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Trade Regulation, 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.
The term of apprenticeship for both branches of this trade is three years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of technical training in the first year, and 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in the second and third year. Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Outdoor power equipment technicians trained in other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board or have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified in Alberta. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
This is an Apprenticeship trade. For full details, see the related certification profile
Outdoor power equipment technicians are employed by private and public sector employers in a number of different industries. For example, they may be employed by equipment distributors, retailers, rental companies, construction companies, landscaping companies, golf courses, parks and recreation departments, forestry companies or equipment manufacturers.
Experienced technicians may move into supervisory or service manager positions, be self-employed or start their own businesses. Alberta certified journeyperson outdoor power equipment technicians who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Outdoor power equipment technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7335: Other Small Engine and Equipment Mechanics. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates for power equipment technicians vary but generally range from $21 to $28 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).
Wage rates for recreational equipment technicians vary but generally range from $18 to $24 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $31.49 | $22.50 | $22.00 |
| Overall | $18.00 | $35.00 | $26.16 | $25.67 |
| Top | $20.00 | $42.00 | $30.60 | $31.15 |
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* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,771 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $68,970 |
| Retail Trade | $56,064 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $54,399 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $54,180 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $52,963 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2015. 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.