Engines aren't the newest smart-
phone. They're not going to gen-
erate the kind of buzz that a new
tablet or connected watch will.
But that's not to say that innova-
tion in the engine category isn't
catching the attention of a new
generation of engine enthusi-
asts — a generation typically as-
sociated more with gaming and
social media than with small
engines.
Sometimes, these individu-
als become engine enthusiasts or
have entered the profession be-
cause of a family tradition that's
been passed on. Other times, it's
because of curiosity. The latter
was the case last fall for Nolan
Bunting, a 17-year-old high
school student from Homer,
Alaska.
During his junior year at
Homer High School, with no
previous engine experience,
Bunting decided to enroll in a
small-engine course, so he could
learn the basics of taking care of
a car that he recently purchased.
Naturally, the course taught the
essential elements of automotive
maintenance. But, it also pro-
vided Bunting his first hands-
on experience with an actual
FEATURE STORY
18 OCTOBER 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com
Powering the
next generation
of engine experts
■ BY CARISSA GINGRAS
Nolan Bunting proudly displays his Briggs & Stratton Master
Service Technician certificate.
"Nolan is a very determined kid
who takes responsibility for his
learning, and when he sets his mind
to something, he won't stop until
he accomplishes it."
— Cameron Wyatt
These students are enjoying their first small-engine class, "Academies in Small Engines," in an after-school program offered by Homer High School in Homer, Alaska.
