Student Profile: Repairing boats and snowmobiles is a fun, rewarding career

Brooklyn Park, April 11, 2022 – Matthew Voss was nervous on his first day of classes at Hennepin Technical College (HTC). He worried that he had made a mistake.

“I was reluctant. I thought how am I going back to school after 14 years away from any kind of classroom? I got my answer on ‘day-one.’ I knew I was in the right place after meeting the faculty,” said Voss.

It didn’t take long for Voss to be fully immersed in his new field of study, Marine Motorsport and Outdoor Power Equipment Technology. In the program, he and his classmates are learning to troubleshoot and repair boats, ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden equipment, industrial engines and more.

Just a few weeks after beginning classes on small engine repair, Voss landed a job in his field of study. Like most HTC students, Voss balances his time between attending college classes and working. He works at Chopper City Sports in Fridley and enjoys working on snowmobiles, ATVs and other motorsport gear.

His journey to HTC began after he lost his previous job due to the economic downturn during COVID. During his time away from work, he reflected on what he enjoyed and how that might translate into a new career.

“I was ready to turn the page and do something different. I spent time at my cabin and was really enjoying fixing things and realized that I should go to school for it,” he said.

Voss is excited about the work-life balance that is available in his new career. He is fascinated to understand the connection between customer service and the rest of the business. The atmosphere is fast-paced because the demand for recreational vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years, due to the pandemic.

“I absolutely love my new job. This is what I want to do,” said Voss.