By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Work Boots
- Mechanic Tools
- Career Counseling
- Career Books
Step1
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.
Step2
Know the difference between auto and diesel mechanics. Not only do they work on different equipment, but systems operate differently in some cases.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.
Step7
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.
Step8
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.
Step9
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.
Comments
Anonymous said
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.
Anonymous said
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.
Anonymous said
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.