Use Your Hands and Brainpower as a Motorcycle Technician
Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes – from the notorious Harley Davidson cruisers to speedy sport bikes and all-terrain vehicles. They all, however, have one thing in common: motorcycles are part of a growing trend in North America that is seeing an increasing number of them on the road. Thanks to popular shows like American Chopper, the America Insurance Institute of Highway Safety notes that registrations of motorcycles in the U.S. increased by 51 per cent between 2000 and 2005. In Ontario, Canada, nearly 100,000 motorbikes are registered, with numbers continuing to rise. The volume means an increased demand for motorcycle technicians who are properly trained at motorcycle tech school, willing to get their hands dirty, and use their brainpower to properly service the various vehicles.
Motorcycle technicians come across a large variety of motorbikes in their day-to-day job. They have to be well prepared to work on everything from electric mopeds and motor scooters to dirt bikes and cruisers. That’s because, from diagnosing, repairing and servicing to working on the electronic or electrical systems, it is up to the motorcycle mechanic to ensure that a bike is ready to hit the road following proper maintenance. Basic hands-on duties of a motorcycle tech include: repairing or replacing parts, rewiring ignition systems, realigning breaks and replacing shock absorbers. Sometimes the motorcycle mechanic may be asked to mend a damaged body or fender. In other words, people in this field (who work at automotive or motorcycle repair shops, service stations, motorcycle manufacturing companies or dealers) have a huge responsibility on their hands – literally!
But how do you properly prepare for a career as a motorcycle technician? Aside from having an interest in the ins and outs of motorbikes, you have to be properly trained by qualified instructors. One popular option is attending Motorcycle Technician School, which offers a unique blend of in-class learning and hands-on garage training at state-of-the-art facilities. This type of motorcycle tech training ensures that you not only understand the theory of repair, but also that you experience fixing real motorcycles.
Also, as some mechanics service specific models of the company at which they are employed, many employers offer specialized motorbike tech courses so that skills can be updated and upgraded. It is important to remember that in such an evolving arena, with new bikes being designed all the time, ongoing Motorcycle Technician Training is essential. Although the motorcycle mechanic field does not offer any nationally recognized certifications, the training provided by apprentices and follow-up courses can be valuable to employment opportunities and future salary. Centennial College’s motorcycle mechanic training imparts learning in a way that guarantees every student, upon completion of the program, is confident and ready to diagnose and then completely fix a motorcycle. Theory, curriculum and hands-on training are all essential aspects offered by the Motorcycle Tech School that translate to success in the field.
To be eligible for this program you must be currently employed as an apprentice. Also, an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or equivalent is required for all apprenticeship programs. You cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this apprenticeship program. For general information about apprenticeship registration, please contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/training.html
Izabela writes about Motorcycle Technician Training and how motor mechanics should be prepared to use brains and muscle power along with their love of motorcycles to be successful in the field. Students trained at Motorcycle Technician School are equipped with the latest technology to move on confidently in career.
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