Small Engine Careers

Course Title:Agricultural PowerSystems

Lesson Title:Career Opportunities in Small Engine Repair

TEKS Addressed in Lesson: 130.24

130.24c5Dc1A

The student is expected to research small engine industry certifications.

The student will identify career development and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of power, structural, and technical systems, including how to search for and obtain employment, what qualifications are required for varying career fields, and how to advance in a position; identify careers in the portable power industry;and explore career objectives and strategies to develop a plan for future career and educational goals.

Lesson Objectives: The student(s) will be able to:

1.List the occupations associated with small engine repair;

2.Identify the responsibilities of a small engine mechanic;

3.Describe the work done by garden equipment mechanics;

4.Describe the work done by lawn mower mechanics;

5.Discuss the job of the shop supervisor;

6.Report the employment availability of small engine mechanics;

7.Recognize the educational requirements of a small engine mechanic; and,

8.Define the responsibilities of the service manager.

Tools and Equipment

Dry-erase board or flip chart & markers

PowerPoint slides – laptop and LCD projector

Computer with Internet access, if available

Teaching Aids:PowerPoint Slides: VI-A-1(PP) Figures 1-4

Information Sheet, VI-A-1(IS) "Career Opportunities in Small Engine Repair"

Assignment Sheet, VI-A-1(AS) "Career Opportunities in Small Engine Repair"

Key Terms / Vocabulary

Department of Labor (DOL)

Entrepreneurship

Occupational/employment outlook

On-the-job training

Small engine

Interest Approach/Anticipatory Set

Careers in small engine repair can be rewarding and provide stable income. The work is challenging. Most shops are located near residential areas, so travel to work is convenient. The work can vary from working on small hand-held chain saw engines to working on high powered jet-skis and snowmobiles. Mechanics are skilled workers, use special tools, often earn overtime pay, and are highly respected.

Many types of firms hire small engine mechanics. Experienced mechanics earn two to three times as much as trainees. In this lesson, we will explore the opportunities available to you as a small engine repairer.

Teaching Plan and Strategy / Presentation of New Material

1.Discuss the nature of the work a small engine repairer does.

Show Slide Figure #1

2.Present information about the places of employment for small engine mechanics.

Show Slide Figure #2

3.Discuss training, other qualifications, and advancement for people in small engine repair occupations.

Show Slide Figure #3

4.Report what the employment outlook is.

5.Discuss earnings and working conditions.

6.Present sources of additional information.

Show Slide Figure #4

Activity/Application/ Student Engagement /Laboratory

Reading Assignment:Information Sheet, VI-A-1(IS) "Career Opportunities in Small Engine Repair"

Written Assignment:Assignment Sheet, VI-A-1(AS) "Career Opportunities in Small Engine Repair"

1.Lead students in a discussion of the nature of the work.

2.Have students discuss the local places of employment.

3.Lead students in a discussion of the training, other qualifications and employment.

4.Have students discuss the employment outlook.

5.Lead students in a discussion of the earnings and working conditions.

Evaluation / Summary

1.List the types of equipment small engine mechanics may specialize in.

Lawn and garden equipment

Push lawn mowers

Riding lawn mowers

Garden tractors

Garden tractor accessories

Auxiliary equipment

Combination of these

2.List the types of places of employment.

Small engine dealers

Garden equipment shops

Small engine manufacturing plants

Equipment rental firms

Government maintenance garages

3.What types of training are required to become a small engine mechanic?

Trade and Industrial classes

Special trade schools

On-the-job

4.How is the small engine repair business expected to grow?

Experienced mechanics die, retire, or transfer

As population grows, small engine use will expand

5.How are small engine mechanics usually paid?

Paid hourly rate or weekly salary

Some paid percentage of work done

6.Where can you find out more about becoming a small engine mechanic?

Local small engine dealers

Small engine manufacturers

Local State employment offices

References/Additional Materials / Extended Learning Opportunities/ Enrichment

Engine & Equipment Training Council

Local State employment offices

Occupational Outlook, U.S. Dept. of Labor

Texas CARES Occupational Information database

Texas Labor Market & Career Information TRACER utility

College & Career Readiness Standards:

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS STANDARDS

I.Writing – A 2 3

II.Reading – A 1 2 3 4 5 11 B 1 3

III.Speaking –B 1 2

IV.Listening – A 1 2 3 B 1 2 3

V.Research – A 1 2 3 B 1 2 3

SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS

IV.Analysis Synthesis and Evaluation of Information –C 1 D 1 2

V.Effective Communication – A 1 2 B 1

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS

I.Key Cognitive Skills C 3 D 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 F 1 2 3 4

II.Foundational Skills – A 1 2 3 4 5 8 B 1 C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 E 1 2 3 4

Revised by:
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for Texas A&M University and