Skip to main content

Fueling Careers in Small Engine Repair

Students and instructors are gathered around a motorcycle in a small engine repair lab.

The small engine repair industry is taking off, creating exciting career opportunities for you in marine, motorsport, and outdoor equipment. Small gas engine repair technology is an ideal career for individuals who are interested in working with their hands and want a job that connects them to adventure, recreation, and the great outdoors.

To meet the rising need for skilled technicians in this expanding field, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) offers a comprehensive Marine, Motorsport & Outdoor Power Equipment Technology program. This program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel as repair and service technicians across various sectors, including marine, motorsport, and outdoor power equipment.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics essential for today's technicians. Students begin with foundational courses such as Introduction to Engine Theory, Fuel Systems, Electrical Systems, and Drive Systems. As they progress, they delve into specialized areas, including ignition Systems and advanced diagnostic techniques. This structured approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to diagnose, evaluate, estimate repair costs, and effectively repair various types of marine, motorcycle, power equipment, and small engines.

Hennepin Tech's commitment to practical, hands-on learning is evident through its industry standard facilities and equipment, providing students with real-world experience that mirrors industry settings. Students benefit from our industry connections with company like Polaris. Small class sizes foster personalized instruction, allowing students to develop proficiency in measuring engine parts, identifying components, and employing industry-standard repair procedures.

Graduates of the program find diverse career opportunities. Marine, Motorsport, and Outdoor Power Equipment Technicians are in demand at marine, motorcycle, and snowmobile dealerships, as well as service repair shops that specialize in motorcycles, outboard and inboard boat motors, and lawn and garden equipment. The program's strong industry partnerships and emphasis on current technologies ensure that students are job-ready upon completion.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady employment growth for small engine mechanics, with about 8,800 job openings annually over the next decade, reflecting ongoing demand for maintenance and repair of small engines.

For individuals passionate about mechanics and seeking a dynamic career path, Hennepin Tech's Marine, Motorsport & Outdoor Power Equipment Technology program offers a robust education that aligns with industry needs, preparing graduates for success in a growing market.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.

Last updated by shultzj : 2025-01-28 10:08:23