Program Length
- 30 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Train for a career in motorcycle and marine mechanics
Are you a problem-solver who likes to know how things work? VIU’s Marine and Motorcycle Mechanical Technician program might be for you. More than just a small engine repair course, this is the only program in Canada that trains you in motorcycle and marine engines. This gives you more career options when you complete the program.
Small engine repair skills are in demand in BC and the rest of Canada. A careeer as a marine technician or motorcycle mechanic is perfect for anyone who wants diversity in their day-to-day activities. And marine and motorcycle mechanic work is not as physically demanding as other trades, making it accessible to more people, including those with past injuries or physical challenges.
Why choose VIU’s Marine and Motorcycle program?
Industry connections in BC
We have lots of connections in the marine and motorcycle industries, and we bring industry people in during your training. This means you can build a network with local employers and alumni who are eager to hire graduates from the program.
Sign up to learn more
Learn by doing in a live shop
In this program, you work in a live shop, handling real customer work. This means you get to work on a variety of machines like motorcycles, snowmobiles, quads and even chainsaws. You work with machines at different levels of wear and tear, which you cannot simulate You learn how to troubleshoot problems, manage your time and write detailed work orders. Plus, you get the chance to bring in your own projects and learn directly from industry professionals.
Practical, hands-on experience
Real-world repair
Experience the demands of a real shop, working on actual customer projects.
Practicum
The 2-week work experience placement gives you a taste of the industry and can lead to job offers.
Shop time
Spend 4.5 hours a day in the shop, gaining practical skills.
Careers in marine, motorcycle and small engine repair
- motorcycle technician
- outdoor power equipment technician
- entrepreneur
- inboard/outboard marine technician
- fishing lodge technician
- commercial fishing technician
About the Marine and Motorcycle Mechanical Technician program
The program covers the theory and techniques to repair modern marine engines, motorcycles and other power equipment. You’ll train in small classes with expert instructors to learn what you need to be a success in this highly skilled industry. After a month of classroom learning you start hands-on training in a live shop working on customer products.
Each day you spend two hours in the classroom and 4.5 hours in the shop.
What you learn in VIU’s Small Engine Technician program
You can a full understanding of all small engine systems including:
- fuel systems
- drive systems
- electrical and ignition systems
- service and maintenance systems
You also learn some welding and marine and motorcycle technician math.
And you gain essential workplace skills like:
- communication
- time management
- business operations
- safe work practices
- problem solving
Who should take this small engine repair program?
This program will work for people at all levels of mechanical experience.
Courses and Concentrations
| Marine & Motorcycle Technician |
|---|
| MMTP 110T - (Shop Fundamentals) |
| MMTP 115T - (Engine Fundamentals) |
| MMTP 116T - (Electrical Fundamentals) |
| MMTP 135T - (Fuel System Fundamentals) |
| MMTP 140T - (Drive System Fundamentals) |
| MMTP 145T - (Service Component Systems) |
| MMTP 170T - (Welding) |
| ESFP 120T - (Employment Strategies and Work Experience) |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent*, or mature student status.
- Mature students without Grade 12 will be required to complete an assessment test.
- Minimum 17 years of age.
* See a VIU Advisor for information on equivalencies.
Notes on Admission
- Good health and not allergic to solvents and lubricants.
- An interview may be required.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (8 months x $509.18 per month) | 4,073.44 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) | 310.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) | 1,000.00 |
| Total | 6,012.28 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Motorcycle Mechanic and Marine Technician program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Alana Gaetz Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: alana.gaetz@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Dean Cadieux Email: Dean.Cadieux@viu.ca |
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When you complete the program
When you complete the program you receive a VIU certificate and credit toward Level 1 Apprenticeship Technical Training for Marine and Mechanical Technician. If you want to pursue a career as a motorcycle mechanic, you can find an employer and challenge the Motorcycle Mechanic Level 1 apprenticeship.
Check the Marine and Motorcycle program yourself
Curious about what it might be like to join us at VIU? You can shadow a class and get a taste of the Marine and Motorcycle Mechanical Technician program. Email the program chair to sign up for a class shadow.