How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

Did you take apart your mom's toaster and try to fix it when you were a kid? What about the TV, the computer, the radio, the car? If you love the technical aspect behind these tasks but don't want to be tied to a desk all day, a career as a diesel mechanic may be perfect for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Work Boots
• Mechanic Tools
• Career Counseling
• Career Books

1. Take your Lego skills to shop and mechanics classes in high school, as well as algebra, geometry, physics and English. Extracurricular activities that provide mechanical experience and computer literacy would also be beneficial for those looking to become diesel mechanics.

2. Know the difference between auto and diesel mechanics. Not only do they work on different equipment, but systems operate differently in some cases.

3. Volunteer or work part-time on a nearby farm if that option is available to you. Often, you can get hands-on experience tearing down tractors or machinery and learning how everything works.

4. Take an interest in a car or truck someone you know is restoring. This is a perfect way to get your hands dirty and decide if you are interested enough in mechanics to pursue it as a career.

5. Set aside a few days to observe a diesel mechanic at work. This possible mentor may be able to give you some practical tips and send you in the direction of a good diesel mechanics program.

6. Look for a diesel mechanics program that offers the training you want. Most community, career and technical colleges - and some colleges and universities - offer a one to two-year associate's degree or diploma program that allows students to specialize in different areas of diesel mechanics, including heavy equipment (construction), agricultural equipment and tractor-trailers.

7. Consider getting a job with a large company that offers on-the-job training right out of high school. Some large companies will even foot the entire bill of getting a diesel mechanic trained and certified.

8. Prepare yourself for the trade's technical aspect, especially the need for some fairly advanced mathematics and computer skills. Many systems on large diesel vehicles and equipment are electronic, so students must be able to disassemble, diagnose, fix and reassemble these systems, too.

9. Put in at least two years of practical work experience after graduating before taking the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams to become certified. After certification, the technician title will entitle you to slightly higher pay.

Tips & Warnings

• Commit yourself to continuing education throughout your career. New systems and technological advances are always in the works; you'll want to keep abreast of new products, techniques and trends.
• Diesel mechanics often earn higher wages than auto mechanics because of a need for greater skills and strength, and because of the sheer size of the equipment they are working on.
• Be aware of your limitations. Heavy lifting is often required on an average day, and if you have trouble with this, you may not make it through this program without risking serious injury.

on 9/10/2006 I was an Executive Chef for almost nineteen years and one day I just decided I have had enough and wanted a change. I had no idea what I wanted to do and while browsing the classified ads I noticed an ad for Diesel Mechanic that said may consider training the right person. I went and talked to them and got the job, they later said they hired me strictly on my attitude. It was at a trucking company, and believe me it was hard work. I started at the bottom, which was servicing trailers. I have moved up very fast and still learn something every day. I am five years into it now and my point to all this is your attitude will take you a long way in anything you decide to do. Good luck and be prepared to work extremely hard.

on 2/14/2006 I started out as a Mechanic's Helper. I fueled trucks for 2.5 years and quit my job because I did not get promoted (due to not having a degree in heavy diesel). I thought that was unfair, Since 80% of mechanics do not have one. I found a place and started as a Mechanic's Helper. I worked hard and learned tires, trailers, Pm's, etc. I took a few classes. The kind that last one week. I finally got promoted after one year. Now I am an Apprentice Mechanic that has been sent to TK school. And I make big bucks without a degree, because I worked hard and learned hands on. Usually if you have an degree, you will not have to become a Mechanic's Helper. But you will be treated differently, because you are privileged and did not have to work your way up from the bottom up. Only when you become management will your degree pay more than what I make. Most places could care less about a degree. But some will.

on 11/22/2005 Becoming a diesel mechanic takes a lot of time and hard work. But it is worth it after you have completed your schooling and have the certificate in your hand. I should know - I'm a licensed diesel mechanic.