And it’s not just trucks. These powerful, fuel-efficient, engines are standard in locomotives, and buses. Diesel service technicians and mechanics, including bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, repair and maintain the diesel engines that power almost all modern transportation equipment.

And the bigger news is this— diesels are going mainstream in light vehicles, including passenger vehicles, pickups, and other work trucks. Diesel tech is constantly lowering pollution levels, with improvements in diesel engines.

Some diesel technicians and mechanics also work on other heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, and combines.

As economies tighten, diesel tech is becoming more and more essential. Why? Diesel-powered engines are more efficient and durable than their gasoline-burning counterparts.

It’s a growth industry with a stable future. That’s why a career in diesel engine repair can offer relatively high wages.

True, the challenge of skilled repair work isn’t for everyone. But the opportunities are amazing, considering a 4-year degree isn’t required.

Formal diesel training takes much less time, and costs much less for tuition. It requires strong aptitude and willingness to work hard and learn. And, you need to love machines.

For best pay and job security, national certification is the recognized standard of achievement for diesel service technicians and mechanics. Continuing education is necessary as well.

Increasingly, diesel technicians must keep learning, and constantly adapt to customers’ needs and new technologies. It’s common for technicians to handle all kinds of repairs, working on a vehicle’s electrical system one day, and doing major engine repairs the next.

Diesel maintenance is becoming increasingly complex, and in modern shops, diesel service technicians use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. Also, diesel service technicians and mechanics must master a variety of computerized testing equipment— to pinpoint and analyze malfunctions in electrical systems and engines.

Employers prefer to hire graduates of formal training programs. Those graduates have most often proven much more able to advance quickly to the journey level of diesel service.

Mechanics without formal training (who learn diesel engine repair through on-the-job training) need 3 to 4 years of experience before becoming journey-level technicians. They often command lower salaries than formally trained mechanics.

High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, English, mathematics, and physics provide a strong educational background for a career as a diesel service technician or mechanic.

A large number of community colleges and trade and vocational schools offer programs in diesel engine repair. These programs usually last from 6 months to 2 years and may lead to a certificate of completion or an associate degree. Some offer about 30 hours per week of hands-on training with equipment; others offer more lab or classroom instruction.

Formal training provides a foundation in the latest diesel technology and instruction in the service and repair of the equipment that technicians will encounter on the job. Training programs also teach technicians to interpret technical manuals and to communicate well with coworkers and customers. Increasingly, employers work closely with representatives of educational programs, providing instructors with the latest equipment, techniques, and tools and offering jobs to graduates.

Employers often send experienced technicians and mechanics to special training classes conducted by manufacturers and vendors, in which workers learn about the latest technology and repair techniques.

Experienced diesel service technicians and mechanics with leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager, and some open their own repair shops. Technicians and mechanics with sales ability sometimes become sales representatives.

Although national certification is not required for employment, many diesel engine technicians and mechanics find that it increases their ability to advance. Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the recognized industry credential for diesel and other automotive service technicians and mechanics.

Diesel service technicians may be certified as master medium/heavy truck technicians, master school bus technicians, or master truck equipment technicians. They may also be certified in specific areas of truck repair, such as drivetrains, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical and electronic systems, or preventive maintenance and inspection. For certification in each area, a technician must pass one or more of the ASE-administered exams and present proof of 2 years of relevant work experience. To remain certified, technicians must be retested every 5 years.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics in the USA held about 275,000 jobs in 2006. These workers were employed in almost every industry, particularly those that use trucks, buses, and equipment to haul, deliver, and transport materials, goods, and people.

Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 11 percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Additional trucks—and truck repairers—will be needed to keep pace with the increasing volume of freight shipped nationwide.

The future of fossil-fuel mechanics is diesel. Green tech will move forward, with diesel tech always evolving.

The greater durability and economy of the diesel engine (relative to the gasoline engine) will keep increasing the number of buses, trucks, and other vehicles powered by diesel engines.

Nearly every area of the globe employs diesel service technicians and mechanics, where trucking companies, bus lines, and other fleet owners have large operations.

Once you learn, and prove yourself, as a diesel service technician, or mechanic, you’ll have a steady career— repairing trucks, buses, and other diesel-powered equipment not yet invented.

If you love machines, and have a knack for working with tools, diesel mechanic’s could be your way to earn a livelihood theater won’t fade out or become obsolete.

Your investment in formal training— whether trade school, community college, or online— might just be the most important door you can open, right now.

CONTACTS
For general information about a career as a diesel service technician or mechanic, write:

• Association of Diesel Specialists, 10 Laboratory Dr., PO Box 13966, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. http://www.diesel.org

Information on how to become a certified diesel technician of medium to heavy-duty vehicles or a certified bus technician is available from:

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), 101 Blue Seal Dr. SE, Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. http://www.asecert.org

For a directory of accredited private trade and technical schools with training programs for diesel service technicians and mechanics, contact:

• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. http://www.accsct.org
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, 101 Blue Seal Dr. SE., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. http://www.natef.org

NOTES

About 23 percent of diesel service technicians and mechanics are members of labor unions, including the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the Amalgamated Transit Union; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the Transport Workers Union of America; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Labor unions may provide additional benefits for their members.

More details about work opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics may be obtained from local employers such as trucking companies, truck dealers, or buslines; locals of the unions previously mentioned; and local offices of your State employment service. Local State employment service offices also may have information about training programs. State boards of postsecondary career schools have information on licensed schools with training programs for diesel service technicians and mechanics.