Pre-Employment Programs
Outdoor Power Equipment Repair
NOC-7335
Program Description
The Outdoor Power Equipment Repair (OPER) program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become outdoor power equipment repair mechanics working in a variety of work settings across Northern Saskatchewan. Workers in this trade test, repair and service small gasoline engines and outdoor power equipment, such as outboard motors, snowmobiles, and quads or all-terrain vehicles. Also, they repair and service other related equipment such as chainsaws, gas generators, and firefighting pump equipment. The mechanical skills learned in this program are fundamental skills used in many other trade areas such as the new recreation vehicle service technician, automotive service technician, truck and transport mechanic, and agriculture machinery technician. Graduates will be prepared to start entry-level work and, ultimately, apprenticeships in these trades. This will provide a broader range of potential employment opportunities for the graduates. On successful completion of the program, students will be well equipped with skills applicable to a broad variety of careers, and life essential skills.
Academic Requirements
- Math Credit at the indicated grade level 10
- Science Credit at the indicated grade level 10
- Applicants with a lower level may be considered depending on their experience
- Registered with SIIT Career Centre, and completed certificates (SCOT)
Industry Requirements
- Good eyesight, hearing, manual dexterity, and physical mobility.
- Some employers may require a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
Acceptance Policy
Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.
English Language Benchmark
SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.
To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).
Courses
- OPER 100 Orientation and Safety
- OPER 110 Trades Math
- OPER 120 Basic Small Engine Repair
- OPER 130 Service and Repair Snowmobiles
- OPER 140 Service and Repair All-Terrain Vehicles
- OPER 150 Service and Repair Boats and Outboard Motors
- OPER 160 Job Readiness
- OPER 170 Work Placement/Special Project
Tuition, Fees, and Funding
Students can expect to pay little to no tuition or fees to participate in this program. Career Centre staff will assess your eligibility for funding when you apply.
What to Expect
Day to Day
Delivery Method
- The length of the Outdoor Power Equipment Repair program is 10 weeks full-time/50 days (300 hours)
- This program will consist of instructor-led classes which will encompass the theory of each course, and will include lectures, discussions, assignments, and in-class review of topics
- The assessment method is pass/fail. Students need to complete all courses in order to successfully complete the program
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate. For Outdoor Power Equipment Repair program students, an attendance rate of 90% or better is required to graduate.
If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.
Graduation Requirements and Credential
You must maintain an attendance of 90% to graduate. The assessment method for this course is pass/ fail and students are required to pass all courses. Graduates will receive an Outdoor Power Equipment Repair Applied Certificate.
Career Opportunities & Salariess
Graduates of this program can expect to find employment as small engine and small equipment repairers in dealer service shops and independent service establishments or as self-employed. There is demand for this trade in northern Saskatchewan due to the high number of businesses in resource exploration, tourism and out-fitting, and forestry operations that use power equipment in daily operations.
In Saskatchewan, the average annual salary for small engine and small equipment repairers is $44,900.
For assistance finding employment, please contact your local SIIT Career Centre.
Apprenticeship Opportunities and Licensing Requirements
To graduate from each level of an apprenticeship program, an apprentice must successfully complete the required technical training and compile enough on-the-job experience to total at least 1800 hours each year. Total trade time required is 7200 hours and at least 4 years in the trade.
Upon completion of their apprenticeship and required industry experience, apprentices may write the Interprovincial Journeyperson Examination and obtain a Red Seal.
Although small engine and small equipment repair is not listed as a designated trade in Saskatchewan, workers may wish to pursue apprenticeship in a related trade, such as automotive service technician.
Support for apprentices is available through SIIT’s Joint Training Committee (JTC). The SIIT Joint Training Committee (JTC) has been building careers in skilled trades since 1998! The JTC supports qualified Indigenous individuals to enter the trades as apprentices, complete trade levels, and become Journeypersons. Indenture Fees are paid by the JTC. Services are available province wide.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444