Put Your Interest in Technology to Work as a Motorcycle Technician

Motorcycles are part of a growing trend in North America that is seeing an increasing number of them on the road. 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 a Motorcycle Technician School.

Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. has a Motorcycle Technician program that is completed by taking three training periods of 1,800 hours with an employer and two eight-week college sessions. To apply for the undertaking, you must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which is actually required for all apprenticeship programs. You must also be employed as an apprentice. However, 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. For more information on the Motorcycle Technician Training application process check out the admission webpage on Centennial College’s site.

Because of its unique blend of in-class learning, hands-on garage training at state-of-the-art facilities and time as an apprentice, this program ensures you receive a well-rounded education. During the in-school sessions, your time is spent at Ashtonbee Campus. This vehicle-focused campus is actually the largest transportation training centre in the province. It houses many of the tools that are commonly used in the motorcycle technician field and you practice using them on real motorcycles. Trained faculty members, who are well versed in the field from their own experience, conduct the training within the program. In addition, during your in-school training, you may be able to qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or a training allowance. After your in-school sessions are complete, you will spend time in a vehicle and parts manufacturers, dealer, garage and retailer or specialty shop as an apprentice to apply your knowledge, network and learn from seasoned professionals.

Upon graduation from Centennial College’s Motorcycle Technician Program, graduates are well prepared to work on everything from electric mopeds and motor scooters to dirt bikes and cruisers. Their day-to-day duties entail everything from diagnosing, repairing and servicing to working on the electronic or electrical systems. More specifically, hands-on duties of a motorcycle technician include: repairing or replacing parts, rewiring ignition systems, realigning breaks and replacing shock absorbers. Sometimes he or she 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 - essentially they must make the decision that a bike is ready to hit the road following proper maintenance.