Have you ever thought about a career as a diesel mechanic? If you like machines, are good with your hands, are interested in trucks, and enjoy solving problems, it might be the perfect job for you.
Diesel mechanics are paid well but you don’t need a college degree to get started. It’s a growing field and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that growth will continue over the next decade.
As a diesel mechanic, you can find work in the private or public sector, or you can strike out on your own and start your own business. You’ll experience ongoing on-the-job training as you learn the ropes, and once you master your craft, the sky’s the limit!
If you’re interested in becoming a diesel mechanic, read on. This post will tell you everything you need to know about this exciting career.
Is a Job as a Diesel Mechanic Right for You?
To become a successful diesel mechanic, you’ll need more than just a love for trucks.
As with any job, you’ll start out in an entry-level position after you complete your basic training, and whether or not you move up from there is really up to you.
You have to be ready and excited to learn, and sometimes you’ll work long hours and on weekends. You need to know how to handle stress and also how to meet deadlines for customers and clients.
Most people who choose to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic already have some experience with automotive repair and maintenance. However, if you are prepared to buckle down and study hard, you may be able to succeed without it.
Successful diesel mechanics are usually people who are mechanically inclined. They love a good challenge and they enjoy solving problems. They are excited to learn new things and they are hard and dedicated workers, too.
The Job of a Diesel Mechanic
A diesel mechanic spends his or her days working on trucks or other heavy machinery. Every shop or workplace is a little different, but all include troubleshooting, taking apart engines and putting them back together, and doing diesel engine maintenance. In most cases, the clients will come to you, but in some cases, you may need to meet them at their location.
Although diesel mechanics focus on diesel engines, they also perform other work on diesel trucks and machinery. A diesel mechanic may inspect and adjust a vehicle’s wheels or may replace steering or brake systems as well. Of course, to make sure everything is running smoothly, they also need to take the vehicles they work on for test drives when the work is complete.
The Path to Becoming a Diesel Mechanic
If you want to become a diesel mechanic, there are several steps to follow on the path. Each of these steps will help you to prepare to be the best diesel mechanic you can be.
Step One: Before You Begin
First, you’ll need to complete high school or obtain a GED; you do not need a college degree of any kind to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic, but you will need to show that you have completed a high school level program to start.
Then, you’ll need to get a CDL driver’s license. Without it, you will be unable to test the vehicles upon which you are working. This is a crucial step in the process. There are CDL training programs available in almost every corner of the country.
Step Two: Choose Your Path
Next, you’ll need to decide if you would rather pursue a degree or certificate program or if you would prefer on-the-job training instead.
Although you don’t need a college degree or certification to become a diesel mechanic, many employers prefer to hire people who have completed an associate’s degree or diesel mechanic certificate program. If you want to get ahead in this competitive field, you might consider attending college. These programs rarely take longer than two years to complete.
However, some people prefer to get started right away. Hands-on, on-the-job training can be exciting and is attractive to many. Unfortunately, though, if you choose this path, it may be longer than two years before you are working on your own. This can be frustrating for some, and you may be paid an assistant rate rather than a diesel mechanic rate for longer than you might like.
Step Three: Moving Forward
Once you have completed your training, whether it is on-the-job or at a school, your learning isn’t complete. In fact, in order to be a successful diesel mechanic, you’ll be learning for the rest of your life. Continuing education in this field is so important. There are always new things to learn.
You might consider getting certified in specialties to expand the machines upon which you can work. There are specific trainings for people who wish to work on marine engines, farm and construction equipment, transit vehicle engines, forestry machines, and aircraft. The more you learn, the more attractive you will be to employers, so keep going!
After a few years in the field, you should also think about taking an Automotive Service Excellence exam. These exams are well-respected in the automotive industry and are offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. There are over forty different ASE certification tests you can take and they will look great on your resume.
Good Luck
If all of the above sounds good to you, then you may be ready to begin your journey on your path to becoming a diesel mechanic. It’s not an easy road, but it’s a very rewarding one. You will learn so much in your training and you will continue to learn throughout your career.
Most diesel mechanics enjoy their work and it’s likely that you will, too. Good luck on your journey and have fun under the hood.
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