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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:
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.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
In Alberta, the outdoor power equipment technician trade has the following branches:
In general, outdoor power equipment technicians:
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.
Outdoor power equipment technicians need:
They should enjoy doing precise work, solving problems and working with their hands.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and Jun 25, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 11 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 10 |
| Adjust, repair or replace parts using hand tools and equipment | 10 |
| Test and adjust repaired equipment for proper performance | 10 |
| Perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment | 10 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Gasoline-powered equipment | 9 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 8 |
| Inspect and test engines and motors to diagnose and isolate faults | 7 |
| Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor | 6 |
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 find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
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:
The term of apprenticeship for the recreational equipment technician branch 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 admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Technical training 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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Those who are certified have good prospects in a variety of career paths.
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 Trades and Occupations section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act [pdf] and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Trade Regulation [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.
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.
Outdoor power equipment technicians are employed by private and public sector employers in a variety of industries. They may be employed by:
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.
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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7335: Other small engine and small equipment repairers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $35.00 | $25.17 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $23.83 | $38.50 | $31.36 | $32.00 |
| Top | $24.04 | $48.00 | $37.29 | $38.00 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $63,051 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $57,251 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $55,583 |
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.