Apprenticeship is not just a job or school instruction, it is a career opportunity! Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training for a career in a skilled trade, such as the Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician. An apprentice works for an employer and earns money while learning. They also attend classes to learn more about their trade. These classes are available through most technical colleges with classes meeting usually once or twice per week. The apprentice’s wage increases as new skills are learned. There are many career options that use this form of learning. Apprenticeship programs offer job security, quality training and the potential for a high wage.
In most instances on-the-job training and classroom instruction will be completed within 3 years.
There has been rapid growth in the marine and outdoor power sport industry with more and more people participating in water sports such as boating, fishing, wake boarding/skiing; riding quads, snowmobiles and personal watercraft. As a result, there are many employment opportunities available across Canada.
Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment technicians usually work indoors with occasional outdoor work. Most work a 40 hour, 5 day week, and some evening, weekend and holiday work may be required particularly during the busier summer months.
High school diploma. Some important attributes of the Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician include: mechanical and mathematical aptitude, the ability to plan and think sequentially, the ability to work as a team member and possess good spatial concepts. With advancements in technology, it is critical for the technicians to align themselves with such advancements and with ever changing techniques and procedures in the marine and outdoor power sport industry.
Yes and most employers are very supportive of enrolling their staff in training programs or sending them to seminars.
Yes. While there are still very few female technicians in the field, more and more females are attracted to work in the marine and power sport industry. More women are also occupying managerial positions while juggling family commitments.
An employer must pay the apprentice a percentage of what a journeyperson would earn, which can be no less than: 115%of the provincial minimum wage during the first level; 135% of the provincial minimum wage during the second level; 155% of the provincial minimum wage during the third level. Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.
Note: wages will vary by province.