For many senior high school students in Lawrence County and across Western Pennsylvania, the path after graduation feels unclear. Aaron Dilling knows that uncertainty firsthand. As a student of Mohawk High School in New Castle, PA, Aaron knew sitting in a classroom wasn鈥檛 leading him into the future. 鈥淚 just couldn鈥檛 connect,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 never liked the traditional school setting.鈥�

He studied welding from 10th to 12th grade, and while the more technical nature of the work was interesting and fun, he knew something was still missing. He found his passion in motorcycles. More specifically, the Motorcycle & Power Equipment Technology program at NCST, where Aaron looks to find a job as a motorcycle mechanic. “I found my calling,鈥� Aaron said. Aaron enjoyed working on motorcycles and found the industry鈥檚 stability and high job demand (without the crushing debt of a four-year degree) a great start to a promising future.

We sat down with Aaron to discuss his experience, what motorcycle and small-engine repair school is really like, and how this career works with being a parent.

Watch: Training for a Career as a Motorcycle Mechanic

Student Perspective: Inside NCST鈥檚 Motorcycle Mechanic Training

Q: How did you decide on NCST鈥檚 Motorcycle Program?

Aaron: When I was going through high school, trade schools and big colleges kind of scared me. I didn鈥檛 want to repeat the high school experience. I was worried it would be the same thing, just sitting in classrooms, staring at screens, feeling lost. But I found motorcycles to be a passion in my life. I love working on them. I wanted to know more, how to tear down a motor, do all the fun stuff that people do. When I saw that 91快活林 had a motorcycle mechanic program, I jumped in as fast as I could.

Q: What is the time commitment, and what kind of credentials do you earn?

Aaron: The Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology program at NCST is a 15-month program that gives you an associate鈥檚 degree. Most people don鈥檛 realize that it gives you an actual college degree. When I first got in here, I knew it was going to be hands-on because you can only teach so much with motorcycles from a book. But it鈥檚 more of actually doing it鈥攖hat鈥檚 when you really learn it. If you come in here and you don鈥檛 learn anything, you鈥檝e wasted the day. You鈥檙e paying for it, so why waste it?

Q: Why is trade school Plan A for your future?

Aaron: People think it鈥檚 a Plan B or Plan C because society tells them, 鈥極h, go get a $100,000 degree.鈥� But I鈥檓 not here for the money. I鈥檓 here because I love it. It鈥檚 always been Plan A. Is it a good career path where you can make money? Absolutely. But if motorcycle and power equipment are going to be a good career for you, you need to have the passion to make it a good career.

Q: What鈥檚 the student culture like at NCST? Is it competitive or collaborative?

Aaron: The students in the motorcycle program and the other programs at NCST are usually willing to help you if you need it. They are absolutely there, jumping in and helping you, or they鈥檙e asking you for help, and you鈥檙e going over there supporting them. The students are also teachers, because I might understand something that somebody else does not. That kind of teamwork really makes a difference. Everyone is supporting each other to succeed.

Q: What does the hands-on training involve, and what skills do you learn?

Aaron: In the motorcycle program, there are three main instructors who handle different aspects of the training. In the first quarter, you go through an electrical course, which is completely different from just motorcycles. It鈥檚 super hands-on, but there are also PowerPoint presentations. You just have to know this stuff. The electrical course is the make-or-break point when coming into the motorcycle program. Once you get into the motorcycle section, it鈥檚 extremely hands-on. It鈥檚 just busy, and you鈥檙e learning constantly. The instructors are there to guide you, but a lot of the learning happens by doing.

Q: Besides fixing bikes, how does NCST prepare students for a career?

Aaron: NCST sets you up for success no matter what you do. They work with you. Most people don鈥檛 have a resume or don鈥檛 know how to properly do the things in their program. And here鈥檚 the thing: I鈥檓 in a motorcycle program, and since I understand the basics of a motor, I can fix it. Something breaks? I don鈥檛 have to spend thousands of dollars on somebody else. I can do it.

Q: How has attending NCST changed your future outlook?

Aaron: Before I got to 91快活林, I was struggling. I felt like I hit rock bottom. I was somewhere I knew I shouldn鈥檛 have been, and I said, 鈥榊ou know what? I need to make a change.鈥� When NCST was like, 鈥楬ey, motorcycle program,鈥� I was all in. I see a better future every day. I鈥檝e already got a client base building. It鈥檚 as much as I put into it is what I get out of it. I have the skills now. You can鈥檛 take that away from me.

Q: What does having a secure career mean for your family?

Aaron: My family is everything. My daughter is important to me. Being here in the motorcycle program, I feel like I don鈥檛 have to go work somewhere far away or be gone all the time. I can work at home, I can stay with my kid, and I can spend more quality time with her instead of paying for babysitters. Quality time with my daughter is something I strive for. Even when I have to go somewhere to fix something, I鈥檓 taking the kiddo along. She鈥檚 over there playing in their yard while I鈥檓 fixing their bike, their quad, their side-by-side. That matters.

Q: What was it like to finally find where you belong?

Aaron: Before I found NCST, I felt like there was something missing. I was lost. I was confused. I didn鈥檛 know where I was going, what I was doing. Then I came here, and I just knew it was right. I didn鈥檛 know if this place was going to work out, or if I鈥檇 be here for a little bit and then go somewhere else. But I just graduated. That feeling of knowing you鈥檙e on the right path? It changes everything.

Q: What would you say to high school students around here, in the Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio areas, who are unsure about their next steps?

Aaron: If you鈥檙e graduating high school and you鈥檙e struggling to figure out what you want to do, trade school is always an option because it鈥檚 not going anywhere. You will always have work everywhere. The trades always need workers. I would recommend NCST because it takes you from where you are at Point A to Point B: a better future.

A Future in the Trades Starts Here

Success doesn鈥檛 always follow a traditional path. For high school students in New Castle, Lawrence County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania, trade school offers a rewarding alternative to four-year colleges. A trade school program can lead to a stable career with good pay with work you can be passionate about.

Don鈥檛 wait to discover where you belong. Start building your new skilled trades path today.

• See the Tools: Explore the Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology Program
• Visit the Shop: Schedule a Tour of Our New Castle Campus
• Learn More About Small Engine Troubleshooting and Repair

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Do you enjoy working on engines? Interested in turning your passion into a career? NCST鈥檚 Motorcycle and Power Equipment Program will train you to troubleshoot, properly service, and repair motorcycles and other small engines. We want you to build a career servicing motorcycles and other small power equipment.

What to Expect in Motorcycle Mechanic Training

At 91快活林, you will be trained for the career you want. In our Motorcycle and Power Equipment shop, students will work hands-on with motorcycle engines, power equipment engines, and other small engines such as boat motors, lawnmowers, and more. Our training program is a 60-week process that takes students from diagnosing issues to fully repairing engines in less than two years.

The Motorcycle and Power Equipment Program doesn鈥檛 just teach students how to repair engines but also how to effectively perform maintenance on all the major systems of the power units. Students will have hands-on experience with small engines. By course completion, students will be able to show how to repair and maintain the following:

• Pull Start Engines
• Engines with and without carburetors
• Engine belts
• Proper winterization techniques

In addition to hands-on experience with the engines and machinery, our students are also taught the vital skills that will make them sought-after repair shop employees. We teach our students how to:

• Handle Customers
• Manage businesses
• Read prints and schematics
• Use technical and applied math
• Search for jobs that fit their needs

Career Opportunities for Motorcycle Mechanics

By becoming a well-rounded employee through our Motorcycle and Power Equipment Mechanic school, you can be employed by any small engine repair shop. Some of our graduates have found success working with:

• All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
• Marine Vessels
• Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Dirt Bikes and Motorcycles
• Small Engine Equipment

We have found the above jobs are best suited for our students graduating from our program. As previously mentioned, we provide hands-on training with each of these types of engines and equipment. 91快活林鈥� Motorcycle and Power equipment program ensures they are job-ready by the time they have graduated.

Your Motorcycle Mechanic Career Starts with NCST

At NCST, we want all our students to be the best-prepared graduates they can be by providing them with the opportunities to have exceptional training.

Begin your new career as a Motorcycle and Power Equipment Mechanic by joining our training program today! Contact us to get started today.

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Of course, all that equipment breaks down and requires maintenance. If you鈥檙e interested in keeping the tools that run the world鈥� well, running, then a career in power equipment repair may be a good match for you. Our Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology program gives you the hands-on, practical training you need to repair and maintain:

• Chainsaws
• Riding mowers
• Tractors
• Push mowers
• Weed whackers
• Stump grinders
• Wood chippers
• Concrete saws

Power Equipment Technology Training

We provide daytime classes to give students the experience required to successfully service outdoor power equipment. This includes routine repair instruction as well as maintenance information.

Sometimes it鈥檚 not enough just to know how to service outdoor power equipment. Employers value employees knowledgeable in other business-related areas. That鈥檚 why we also provide training in:

• Technical and Applied Math
• Customer Service
• Business Management
• Job Search and Survival
• Prints and Schematics

To make sure you reach your career goals, we offer聽job placement assistance,听resume help, and聽personal counseling鈥攑lus聽financial assistance to qualifying candidates.

Start Your Career with 91快活林

For more than 60 years, 91快活林 has trained students to work in a number of high-demand trades. As you can see by our resources and our employer testimonials, we are dedicated to your future!

Start your career now by calling us at 724-788-4417 or filling out the form on this page.

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Small engines are everywhere. You almost certainly own some, and you鈥檝e absolutely used them in your everyday life. Small engines are in:

• Weed Eaters/Leaf Blowers
• Chain Saw
• Lawn Mowers
• ATV鈥檚/Dirt Bike
• Snowblowers
• Boats/PWC
• Power tools
• and more鈥�

In fact, they鈥檙e such an integral part of American life that there is a definite need for skilled professionals who understand how they work and can provide troubleshooting. If you learn small engine repair, you can find a career in most industrial and commercial construction and maintenance outfits.

Small Engine Repair Training

At the 91快活林, you鈥檒l learn small engine troubleshooting and repair. Our hands-on day and evening classes give you the experience to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain small engines. In addition to the engine work, you鈥檒l learn how to manage all of the systems and parts that are included in this equipment, including:

• Chains
• Belts
• Carburetor鈥檚 & Non-Carborator Systems
• Pull Starters
• Proper Winterization

This type of training is not only valuable to your professional life it will be extremely useful in your personal life.聽 No need to take your lawnmower or chainsaw to the repairman, you are the repairman.

How 91快活林 can help you

The 91快活林 is here to help you embark on your new career. That鈥檚 why we offer聽job placement assistance,听resume help,听personal counseling,听and聽financial assistance.聽 In addition, because employers are looking for well-rounded employees, our training program includes courses in:

• Customer Service
• Technical and Applied Math
• Business Management
• Job Search and Survival
• Prints and Schematics

Is Small Engine Repair Right for You?

If the training mentioned interests you, then working with small engines is the key to your success.聽We offer many programs designed to suit a variety of industries and aptitudes.

Start Your Big Career in Small Engines with NCST

Companies require personnel in their shops to repair the equipment they use every day.聽 Often time鈥檚, positions like this are what allow these companies to stay running. If interested, give us a call at 724-788-4417 or fill out the form on this page!

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The informative classes in our ATV repair school will instruct you on the major systems of聽power equipment so you can successfully diagnose, troubleshoot, disassemble, and repair ATVs. With hands-on training as part of ATV repair courses, you鈥檒l gain the experience needed to land a dream job working with:

• Four-wheelers/Quad bikes
• Dirt bikes
• Motorcycles
• And more!

Of course, any ATV is more than just the engine. 91快活林鈥� ATV technician training incorporates all the systems of a working ATV 鈥� from the electrical system to the transmission and beyond. NCST makes sure our technicians learn it all. With the vast knowledge developed at our school for ATV repair training, we make sure you are able tatvo handle all maintenance and repair tasks you鈥檒l face for any ATV.

Prepared for Any Career Terrain

In today鈥檚 competitive workplace, employers seek well-trained ATV technicians who can troubleshoot complicated issues and who are versatile enough to repair other types of power equipment in a confident and professional way. That is why we incorporated our ATV training courses into our larger聽Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology Program.聽We also provide students with courses in a variety of subjects to help them in the field. These include:

• Technical and Applied Math
• Customer Service
• Business Management
• Job Search and Survival
• Prints and Schematics

In addition to readying you for a successful career, we offer聽financial assistance,听job placement assistance,听resume help, and聽personal counseling. As you can see, choosing NCST for your ATV repair training program can mean great things for your career and future!

Get Started with 91快活林

For more than six decades, 91快活林 has provided students with the skills needed to work in the ATV repair industry. Once you check out our resources聽and our聽employer testimonials, you鈥檒l know we can help secure a successful career for you.

If you鈥檙e looking for an experienced trade school near you, consider 91快活林. Give us a call at 724-788-4417!

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A Reliable and Rewarding Career

If you鈥檙e looking into the skilled trades for your future, there are a lot of potential career paths to pursue. A lot of students are choosing to focus on the mechanic career path. Our聽Automotive Technology program is a great option for trade school students, so we wanted to take a moment to discuss many of the reasons an auto mechanic career can be beneficial for you. Here are nine reasons you should consider being an auto mechanic.

1. Industry Need

The auto mechanic industry is often seen to have favorable job opportunities. The Augusta Chronicle reports, fewer young people are pursuing the field, leading to a shortage of qualified mechanics. Some key points to consider:

• 45% of industry respondents felt the labor shortage is the industry鈥檚 biggest concern.
• The has estimated that 69,000 auto repair jobs should become available each year from 2020 to 2030.
• Baby Boomers make up approximately half of all auto mechanics. These individuals are expected to retire in the next 7-10 years.

As you can see, choosing a mechanic career for your future can mean great things.

2. Automotive Need

Seeking a career as a mechanic is a wise decision due to the need for automobiles currently on the road. As William Sasser, shop owner of a Mr. Transmission outlet, stated in the , 鈥渃ars break down less often than they used to, but when they do鈥� they are more costly to fix.鈥�

• Sasser points to the computerization that has become standard throughout the industry, beginning in the late 鈥�80s, affecting many automobile systems, such as transmissions.
• This computerization is expected to only increase as driverless and electric cars become standard in the near future.

As these systems continue to become computerized, mechanics who are well-versed in them will continue to be needed to determine, troubleshoot, and repair any issues which will arise.

3. Ongoing Career Options

One of the best things about considering a career as an auto mechanic is the mechanic job outlook. Car repairs will continue to be needed no matter what. In fact, if fewer people are buying cars that just means they鈥檒l need to keep their current models running, equaling more business.

4. Potential for Long-term Business with Clients

According to an聽 focused on a survey by automotive service AAA, one of the biggest issues auto repair shops face is earning customers鈥� trust. While the piece presents a lot of insights any shop should be mindful of when working with customers, there are a couple of key points to consider from the article:

• Over half of patrons surveyed believed auto shops would complete the needed repairs for their vehicles correctly
• 64% of drivers stated that they have an auto mechanic shop they trust

Securing that initial trust might be somewhat of a challenge. When good work is performed and a customer is satisfied, they鈥檙e more inclined to return. Becoming one of those shops customers trust can mean great things for your car mechanic career 鈥� you just need to put in the effort and you鈥檙e halfway home.

5. Self-Reliance

By choosing a career as an auto mechanic you鈥檒l be entering a field where your expertise will be put to the test daily, but you鈥檒l also get a lot of independence. Whether it鈥檚 running diagnostics, seeing to specific repairs, or troubleshooting specific issues, mechanics are often expected to work independently to get the job done in a busy garage, something that people who like self-reliance are big fans of.

6. A Variety of Tasks

With all of the various systems and components that go into a functional automobile, mechanics must become adept at diagnosing and correcting problems with all of them, keeping you on your toes, and keeping your job interesting. Each new car is a new challenge, breaking up your days into different tasks and making for less monotony.

7. Millions of Potential Customers

We know there are a lot of cars on American roads, but just how many? When looking at about transportation in the U.S., there are a few important metrics to note:

• There are upwards of 276 million cars and trucks in the U.S., which means that if you鈥檙e considering a car mechanic career these car owners represent a significant amount of potential customers.
• The of these cars is 12.1 years old, meaning the vast majority of them will be in need of either minor or major repairs on a fairly regular basis.

8. Work with your Hands and Avoid a Desk Job

Sitting in an office all day isn鈥檛 for everyone. Many people like staying active, working with their hands, and challenging themselves with manual and mechanical tasks. A career as a mechanic is perfect for people who fit this description! If you鈥檙e considering a role in the skilled trades, give this field a look.

9. Save Money and Do Your Own Repairs

Once you acquire the necessary skills needed for a career as an auto mechanic you鈥檒l not only be able to put those skills to use in a professional realm but also in a personal one. Instead of having to take your car to a shop or dealership, you鈥檒l be able to work on most aspects yourself and see to necessary repairs. This can save you and your loved ones money throughout your life.

Start Your Auto Mechanic Career at NCST Today!

As you can see, becoming an auto mechanic can provide a lot of benefits and opportunities. Check out NCST鈥檚聽Automotive Technology program and start preparing for your future 鈥� you鈥檒l be glad you did.

If you are interested in our program, give us a call at 724-788-4417 and we can get you started!

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If you enjoy working with your hands and are looking for a career that offers a sound future full of job opportunities, then mechanic training from an accredited institution is the right way to go. Receiving a degree from an accredited trade school like the 91快活林 will go a long way toward convincing an employer you have what it takes to be a successful addition to their team.

Our Mechanic Training Programs

NCST offers several exceptional mechanic training programs, including:

• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Repair Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technology

An in-Depth look at Training Programs Offered

• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Repair Technology鈥� In this program, some of the skills you鈥檒l acquire include:
  • Installing engine systems
  • Replacing bearings, valves, and pistons
  • Diagnosing engine problems and learning how to disassemble and reassemble engines
  • Lubricating moving parts
  • Test driving for engine diagnostic purposes
• Automotive Technology鈥� Graduates of this program will become skilled at working with equipment like:
  • Computerized automotive information systems
  • Brake lathes
  • Articulating arm tire machines
• Other Possible Projects–聽 Students will be qualified to work on numerous small engine systems in addition to motorcycles, such as:
  • PWCs
  • Dirt bikes
  • Motorboats
  • Snowmobiles
  • ATVs

As you can see, there鈥檚 so much to be learned when you get an education from an experienced mechanic school like NCST. No matter which of our in-depth programs you believe is your best fit, the 91快活林 will deliver the skills you need to start opening doors!

Gain Worthwhile Experience

Your next step towards your mechanic career goals includes acquiring real-world experience, which will boost your marketability. While the hands-on instruction you receive at the 91快活林 will give you a solid foundation, securing a worthwhile introductory job out of trade school is essential for your future. Often, beginning mechanics work for vehicle part sellers, automotive dealers, and private companies in assistant mechanic capacities before moving up the ladder as their career unfolds. One of the best things about attending NCST is that as a student you gain access to our聽job placement assistance services, all of which are designed to boost your market potential and help you secure gainful employment.

Students utilizing our job placement assistance services will benefit through:

• Resume and cover letter preparation
• Interview preparation
• Networking opportunities and more

Additionally, since the 91快活林 has a history of producing qualified graduates, area employers are always seeking out our students. Just look at these extensive聽employer testimonials!

Attain Licensing and Certification

Once you鈥檝e gotten the kind of mechanic training that will attract employers, and you鈥檝e found the right job for you, the next step you鈥檒l want to consider is attaining licensing and certification. Though this step isn鈥檛 required for becoming a mechanic, doing so creates more career opportunities than would be available to you otherwise. For automotive workers, the standard credential many employers look for is the聽National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence聽(ASE) certification. This certification is comprised of eight distinct focuses:

• Engine Repair
• Automatic Trans/Transaxle
• Manual Drive Train and Axles
• Suspension and Steering
• Brakes
• Engine Repair
• Electrical/Electrical Systems
• Engine Performance

To attain certification in these specialized areas, mechanics must pass exams of 40-50 questions, and certification renewal is usually required every five years. If you attain all eight ASE certifications, you will be able to claim the status of ASE Master Technician, which is something that will definitely help you as you advance on your career path!

Job Growth

As you continue to refine and hone your skills, you鈥檒l certainly be wondering about the future state of the industry. Well, there鈥檚 good news for those with mechanic training because the聽Bureau of Labor Statistics聽has reported that:

• The number of jobs is expected to rise by 6% from 2016-2026, which will result in an estimated 45,900 new jobs聽being created.
• With increased vehicle usage and production, 鈥渕ore entry-level service technicians will be needed to perform basic maintenance repair鈥�
• Additionally, 鈥渏ob opportunities for qualified candidates should be very good鈥� in regards to those with education and experience
• 聽鈥淭hose without formal automotive training or certification are likely to face strong competition for entry-level jobs鈥�

As you can see, obtaining the proper skills and education is the difference between competing alongside similar candidates, and standing out from the crowd as a viable resource for a company鈥檚 workforce. So the choice is clear 鈥� receive your mechanic training from an accredited mechanic trade school and you鈥檒l be well on your way to big things in no time!

Contact Our Exceptional Mechanic School Today

There you have it, how to become a mechanic by acquiring the skills and experience you need to attract employers鈥� attention. The expert instruction you鈥檒l receive as a student of the 91快活林 will make your mechanic repair work second nature and prepare you for great opportunities for advancement.

If you have any questions about our mechanic training programs, be sure to contact us to speak with a member of our staff at 724-788-4417 or fill out the form on this page.

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