Diesel Mechanic Training Help
Taking the first steps towards your career as a diesel
service technician begins by learning more about the general work description, finding
out exactly what the responsibilities will be from the company you will
eventually work for, along with the skills you will need to know that are
necessary for being an effective and productive diesel mechanic.
If you search around you can find a couple of different descriptions for a diesel mechanic, which all depend on the field you specialize in. Regardless of which focus area you choose to apply for, we can simplify the description as:
You may already have a good idea of what it is that a diesel mechanic does, and as you go about searching for more information in regards to your diesel technician training, you may find a couple of different descriptions. Regardless of your area of focus, the basic description of a diesel mechanic is:
A highly trained individual who is responsible for the complete service and repair of new and used vehicles using a diesel engine, by diagnosing, fixing and tweaking these vehicles.
A good question to ask at this point is, how do I become a diesel mechanic?
If you search around you can find a couple of different descriptions for a diesel mechanic, which all depend on the field you specialize in. Regardless of which focus area you choose to apply for, we can simplify the description as:
You may already have a good idea of what it is that a diesel mechanic does, and as you go about searching for more information in regards to your diesel technician training, you may find a couple of different descriptions. Regardless of your area of focus, the basic description of a diesel mechanic is:
A highly trained individual who is responsible for the complete service and repair of new and used vehicles using a diesel engine, by diagnosing, fixing and tweaking these vehicles.
A good question to ask at this point is, how do I become a diesel mechanic?
Basic Requirements of a Diesel Mechanic
- You will need to have a high school diploma, HSED or GED equivalent.
- You will need to have excellent mechanical, problem solving and repair skills.
- You will need to complete all mandatory training involved.
- You will need to earn any state required certification.
Beyond the most basic elements, some employers may require you to earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This is an important step regardless, since you will most likely need to test drive many of the vehicles you will be repairing. Federal guidelines set the requirements for what steps and documentation a person needs to get a CDL.
You should also look into the additional areas of certification that you can earn from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as you build your reputation and worth as a diesel service mechanic.
State Certification for a Diesel Mechanic
In some states, you will need more than just a postsecondary education and a certificate from the ASE. Michigan is one of those states notorious for mandating that their mechanics take and pass a state issued certification course. Another state, Hawaii, also has a requirement like this, where you will need to take a test delivered from the University of Hawaii in order to be considered an actual mechanic. Again, it's important to note that this is NOT the certification that you get from the ASE.
Applying to Become a Diesel Mechanic
There are many places where you will have the chance to apply to become a diesel service technician. With so many choices and different areas that you can specialize in, there are plenty of opportunities for work in this career field. One of the best places to begin searching for a job in this market would be to talk with your instructors at your school in which you are gaining your diesel mechanic education.
Outside of school, you will have a few other options as well, including using the internet like you are right now as you read this site. There are many websites that offer career assistance, and can easily get you started in the right direction here. Another avenue to take would be to simply go down to a local mechanic shop that you know services diesel vehicles, and talk with a supervisor or the owner to show your interest in the field and their place of employment. Networking like this can pay off big in the end, and you may be able to find employment as you are working towards your education in school. There are some places that even offer apprenticeship programs to help as well.
The application process for each individual state can vary by state to state. Michigan for instance asks that you stop down at your closest Secretary of State branch to get the paper work. They also provide you with information online, where you can download and fill out the forms in a more convenient manner. This is where you will be in luck, since most of the important information you will need, including step by step instruction and applications you can print of are easily accessible through each official website for each state.
Outside of school, you will have a few other options as well, including using the internet like you are right now as you read this site. There are many websites that offer career assistance, and can easily get you started in the right direction here. Another avenue to take would be to simply go down to a local mechanic shop that you know services diesel vehicles, and talk with a supervisor or the owner to show your interest in the field and their place of employment. Networking like this can pay off big in the end, and you may be able to find employment as you are working towards your education in school. There are some places that even offer apprenticeship programs to help as well.
The application process for each individual state can vary by state to state. Michigan for instance asks that you stop down at your closest Secretary of State branch to get the paper work. They also provide you with information online, where you can download and fill out the forms in a more convenient manner. This is where you will be in luck, since most of the important information you will need, including step by step instruction and applications you can print of are easily accessible through each official website for each state.
Find Training to Become a Diesel Mechanic
The good news here is that because of the great demand for high quality and well trained diesel mechanics, finding the training you will need to become a diesel mechanic can be as easy as heading down to your local community or technical college. There you can find out plenty of information in regards to what diesel technician courses they have available. Most of these colleges, and in some cases even major universities, will offer some sort of diesel engine repair courses that you can take.
You might even be able to find a company that offers on the job style training, where you can get paid to work and gain an education. There are many diesel mechanics that have learned successfully from this informal style. With this in mind, it is highly recommended that you enroll in a postsecondary school in order to obtain your degree, as this will ensure you are properly prepared to fill any of jobs in high demand requiring quality workers. In these programs you will get an excellent mix of hands-on training and focused classroom learning to prepare you as a diesel mechanic.
You might even be able to find a company that offers on the job style training, where you can get paid to work and gain an education. There are many diesel mechanics that have learned successfully from this informal style. With this in mind, it is highly recommended that you enroll in a postsecondary school in order to obtain your degree, as this will ensure you are properly prepared to fill any of jobs in high demand requiring quality workers. In these programs you will get an excellent mix of hands-on training and focused classroom learning to prepare you as a diesel mechanic.
Don't forget that some of the best places to find as you go about training to become a diesel mechanic can be found by talking to your local community college and/or technical school, as well as visiting some of the local dealers or shops in your area to get more information. The internet also offers many opportunities to learn as well, and an excellent place to start would be www.dieselmechanictraininghq.com.