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Motorcycle Mechanic Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work indoors icon that represents where Motorcycle Mechanic work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Motorcycle Mechanic. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Motorcycle Mechanic click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Automotive

Motorcycle Mechanic

work indoors

Motorcycle mechanics assemble, maintain, repair and restore motorcycles and other multi-wheeled lightweight all-terrain vehicles that do not have lateral seating and are equipped with handlebar controls.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Motorcycle mechanics are employed by motorcycle dealerships or repair shops, or are self-employed.

    In colder climates such as Alberta's, motorcycle repair work is seasonal. Motorcycle mechanics are very busy doing diagnostic and repair work in the warmer months and may encourage customers to have preventative maintenance work done in the winter. However, motorcycle mechanics must be skilled in other types of repair work (for example, repairing snowmobiles) to remain employed throughout the year.

    Motorcycle mechanics are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 7334: Motorcycle and Other Related Mechanics. In Alberta, most people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

    • Retail Trade.
    • Wholesale Trade.
    • Repair, Personal, Religious and Other Services.
  • DutiesDetails

    Motorcycle Mechanics:

    • Talk to customers to find out what is wrong with the motorcycle or ATV.
    • Talk to service managers about problems with bikes and ATVs.
    • Figure out problems with the bike or ATV by looking it over, listening to it run and using testing equipment.
    • Take apart and repair or replace parts.
    • Clean and adjust carburetors.
    • Adjust the clutch, brakes or drive chain.
    • Replace or rebuild worn parts.
    • Use boring bars, valve grinders, lathes, tire changers and computers.
    • Motorcycle mechanics who work for motorcycle dealerships also assemble new machines.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Shops.
      • May be noisy.
      • Ventilation systems reduce risk of exposure to fumes and exhaust.
    • Outdoors
      • Not usually.

    Hours:

    • Flexible hours.
    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry up to 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Mechanical interest.
    • Good customer service skills.
    • Willing to work long hours in the busy season.
    • Willing learn new skills.
    • Enjoy work that requires precision and solving problems.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 4 years.
    • 1st year: 1360 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
    • 2nd year: 1360 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
    • 3rd year: 1420 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training.
    • 4th year: 1420 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
    • If you have training or work experience in this trade it may count towards your certification.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $20 to $28 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentice motorcycle mechanics earn at least 55 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 65 per cent in the second, 75 per cent in the third and 90 per cent in the fourth.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $23.51 to $35.67 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $30.12 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails