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How to Become a Marine Technician
When most people think of automotive work, they mostly assume you’re talking about cars and trucks. The truth is that the automotive department actually includes much more than just the average cars we see on the road every day. It also includes the vehicles you see on the waters - boats, jet skis and large ships.
Do you love working on engines and enjoy being on or around lakes and oceans? If so, then you might have what it takes to work on boats and other marine engines for a living. As a marine technician, you’ll diagnose problems, make repairs and perform maintenance checks on maine vehicles and help boat owners get off their docks and into the water.
So how do you make a splash in this industry? Learn how to become a marine technician here.
Acquire an apprenticeship
Before you get started in this career field, you have to doggie paddle before you can swim laps. To get your bearings, you first need to start working in the marine industry as an apprentice. Most employers require their apprentices complete at least up to Year 10 in high school so as long as you have that, you should be eligible to start working in this field.
Working as an apprentice is a great hands-on experience type of training for anyone new to the industry. You’ll be thrown right into the action and become an important part of any mechanic shop. You’ll also get to see what it’s like to hold this job and what the hours are like so you’ll be able to judge if it’s a good fit for you.
You’ll also get to work with more experienced marine technicians who have worked in the industry for some time. They can show you what it’s like to work in a shop, and they’ll show you how to best handle certain repairs. Their insider knowledge will prepare you for working full time.
They’ll also help you learn how to speak with customers, suppliers and dealers within the industry. Great customer service can be a big part of working as a marine technician, and having great people skills can help you build a strong, loyal client list. You will also need to know how to speak with suppliers and dealers who may need to supply parts and answers. Developing a good rapport with these people is important.
Get certified
Being an apprentice is just one part of your training. You’ll still need to go to school and get your certification. A TAFE institution, such as Kangan Institute, can help you find the right course to further advance your skills and move up in your career.
The best place to start is with a Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology. This course will complement your apprenticeship, and only those currently working in an apprenticeship can enrol. You can be certain that you’ll be with like-minded apprentices whole will share the same interest in machines as you do. The courses are taught by industry experts who know their courses backwards and forwards.
As a student, you’ll learn the foundation skills needed to succeed in the marine industry. You’ll learn how to run diagnostic tests to see what could be wrong with an engine. Once you know which part is not working properly, you’ll be able to fix the problem and get the engine back to working condition. Customers will also be able to come to you for routine maintenance checks.
Find a job
Once you finish your coursework and apprenticeship, you will receive your certification. At Kangan Institute, the Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology is nationally accredited, which means that you can take your certificate anywhere you want to go in the country.
Many apprentices will go to work for their current employer who helped them complete their apprenticeship training. As the employer already knows the type of work their apprentices are doing, they’re willing to hire them on full time to continue their work.
Others seek employment elsewhere or even open up their own mechanic businesses near popular lakes and ocean destinations where they can work on marine engines all day long.
Some graduates continue their education in the automotive departments. Working on marine engines is just one skill; there are many. Some go on to focus on repairing tractors, trucks and other large road vehicles. Others go on to earn an automotive Certificate IV or Diploma in a preferred area of study. Whatever you decide, your Certificate will help propel you towards the career you’ve always wanted.
Anyone who’s ever owned a boat will tell you that having a reliable, skilled marine technician is vital, especially if you do a lot of boating. If you too love the water, consider this engaging career.
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