Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — One hundred and six Pioneer Valley High School students recently earned industry certifications on four strokes through Briggs & Stratton, the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment.
The Briggs & Stratton Basic Small Engine Certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of operational theory, governor systems, ignition systems, fuel systems and carburetors, charging systems, diagnostics, failure analysis, and basic repair of small engine systems, according to industrial arts and technology teacher Christine Linne.
“The students in the small gas engines course were very excited,’’ Linne added. “Students who obtain certification will acquire marketable skills for a competitive edge and will require less additional training to obtain the Master Service Technician and other advanced Briggs and Stratton certifications,’’ Linne added.
The basic tests are: 4 stroke theory, compression, fuel systems and carburetors, governor systems, ignition systems, parts look-up and identification. The intermediate tests are charging systems, diagnostics and troubleshooting, failure analysis, and intermediate fuel and carburetors. The advanced test is diesel theory.
It took about three weeks to prepare the students for the exams with lectures, bookwork, hands-on procedures and quizzes. They will have the opportunity to take all six basic exams this year and must pass all five exams within a 12-month span.