Education · 1 of 4
The path
A short apprenticeship: about 2.5 years in Ontario, 3 in Alberta. Quebec has its own route: tap Quebec route to add it.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Shop and math. OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) or a co-op at a dealer can start you early.
- 2
Find a sponsor
Weeks to months
Equipment dealers, rental shops, golf courses and hardware stores with a repair counter. Spring is when they hire.
- 3
Register the apprenticeship
Days
Skilled Trades Ontario calls it Small Engine Technician (435A). Alberta calls it Outdoor Power Equipment Technician, Power Equipment.
- 4
Work and study
2 to 3 years
Ontario: 5,000 hours, 4,520 on the job plus 480 in school, in 2 levels. Alberta: 3 periods of 1,000 hours, about a year each.
- 5
Certificate of Qualification
After your hours
Pass the provincial exam. It is not a Red Seal trade, so the ticket is provincial.