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Printed on 4/30/2025

Outdoor Power Entrepreneur

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20-461-4 Certificate (C) 11 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Have you considered owning your own outdoor power equipment or powersports shop? If so, this certificate will give you the foundational skills for small business ownership including creating opportunity, market analysis, customer development, legal aspects, startup capital, funding and operations. You’ll interact with other small business owners to learn what being an entrepreneur is really like. Take your Outdoor Power Equipment degree to the next level and prepare yourself for business ownership! This certificate can be combined with other degree programs.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (11 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Entrepreneurship, Introduction to
    10-145-104
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10145104
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides students with opportunities to investigate, understand and apply the process of choosing entrepreneurship as a career path. Explores the entrepreneurial experience by focusing on an awareness of entrepreneurship, opportunity recognition, business concept development and preliminary feasibility testing. Students gain the knowledge, skills, concepts and strategies relevant for start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs. The practical hands-on approach encourages students to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial experience.

  • OPE Four Stroke Engines
    10-461-151
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10461151
    • Credits: 3.00

    Gives an in-depth overview of engine design and operational theory. Parts identification, function and repair are incorporated into the disassembly, reconditioning and assembly of small engines and recreational engines.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94461002 - OPE Textbooks-1st Semester​
  • OPE Two Stroke Engines
    10-461-152
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10461152
    • Credits: 3.00

    Emphasizes the repair of two-cycle, small four-cycle and recreational engines used on chainsaws, cutoff saws, line trimmers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers and other small power units. Students will learn new emission requirements and understand the current laws on product liability.

  • Intro to Outdoor Power Equipment
    31-461-301
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31461301
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the outdoor power equipment/powersports industry. Emphasizes safety, precision measuring, fasteners, tool usage, basic shop skills and predelivery/maintenance inspection of equipment. Utilizes computer software programs to create work orders, invoices and parts look up.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94461002 - OPE Textbooks-1st Semester​
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.