Aug. 10

OMAHA (August 10, 2023) — A new associate degree and career certificate program at Metropolitan Community College will give motorcycle, all-terrain/utility-terrain vehicle (ATV and UTV), boating and other powersports and outdoor power equipment enthusiasts the opportunity to parlay their passions into employment. The Powersports and Outdoor Power Technology program will launch in the upcoming fall quarter at MCC, which begins on Sept. 5.

The two-year degree encompasses 94 credit hours with instruction and hands-on training to develop powersports technicians to maintain, troubleshoot and repair power equipment technology such as personal watercraft, motorcycles, ATVs, lawn equipment and much more. The program also offers four career certificate options that range from 24.5 to 33.5 credit hours — ATV/Snowmobile Technician, Marine Technician, Motorcycle Technician and Outdoor Power Technician.

Terry Kuebler, an MCC instructor who helped design the curriculum of the new program, said it prepares students to perform at the dealership level upon completion, gaining the soft skills to become managers, manufacturer technical service representatives or business owners after establishing themselves in the growing industry.

“Powersports is basically the toy store for all the ‘grown up’ kids. This is a passion-based industry filled by people who have great love for the products and gravitate to this kind of work,” said Kuebler, whose involvement in regional motocross competitions eventually led to a second career that began in 1999. “Hang out at any powersports or marine shop for a while, and you’ll notice the enthusiasm of the staff and the clientele. They share a bond with each other that is different from what employees at other jobs may have.”

One comprehensive program includes training to service the following technologies:

• ATVs
• Commerical lawn and maintenance equipment
• Handheld outdoor power equipment
• Motorcycles
• Outboard motors
• Personal watercraft
• Side-by-sides/UTVs

With at least 70 employers in the MCC four-county service area and nearby shops in Iowa, Kuebler said students can use the training for careers as service technicians; sales associates; parts attendants; service, parts and sales managers; set-up technicians; maintenance technicians; or a range of other employment opportunities in the powersports industry. Kuebler said the skills taught are also transferable to other technical careers.

“There is a great need for powersports workers of all types. Shops are continuously looking for good employees in all departments,” Kuebler said.

The program will be housed at the South Omaha Campus, taking place in the Mahoney building. For more information about the program, visit mccneb.edu/Powersports or call 531-MCC-2400. 
  Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.