Become a Diesel Mechanic
If you would like to begin a well-paying, highly rewarding career, then becoming a diesel mechanic may be the career for you! A formal education is often the best way to achieve this goal. Formal education may require more work in the long run, but it is often much more rewarding in the end. Formal education leads to more job opportunities and higher salaries than simple on the job education.
Steps
- Prepare for a diesel mechanic career while still in high school.
- Study hard on the career path you would like to take before committing 100%.
- Obtain a high school diploma.
- Take classes that will enhance your knowledge on your topic.
- Enroll in a college or vocational program that offers a diesel mechanic certificate or associate's degree program.
- The program may take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
- Become familiar with customer communication, and learn how to read schematics and other helpful guides.
- Hands on is the best way to learn. Always be engaged in class activities and lab exercises to get the most of your college education.
- Obtain a state commercial driver's license or CDL.
- This license is required when operating large vehicles that are in need of repair, or have been repaired but need necessary testing and adjusting to get the vehicle up to optimum operating requirements.
- Seek an employer that is willing to give you on-the-job training while you are working toward a degree.
- Diesel mechanics are in high demand; therefore, do not settle for an employer who will not keep you up to date on the necessary technological advances of today's new vehicles.
- Pass a drug test.
- Many employers ask that employees take a drug test. Think about your actions and what consequences they will have.
- Apply for national certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
- Aspire to move up the ranks in your company by becoming a master technician.
- Take the necessary qualification tests to become certified in any area of diesel mechanics; after all, it is your chosen career.
- Be sure to get re-certified every five years in order to keep your qualifications up to date.
Tips
- Never give up on your life goal. If the right job opportunity does not become available right away, be patient. Your education and experience will afford you many rich opportunities that will benefit you throughout your entire life.
- In Georgia there are multiple companies seeking qualified technicians including: Caterpillar, Peter-built, International, John Deere, and many more. There are plenty of job opportunities; pick the one that best fits your personality.
- There is always the option of self-employment, which has its own benefits that often include higher pay, but with more risk involved.
Warnings
- Diesel mechanics is not for everyone. It is an extremely physically demanding career path. It requires long hot days in the sun lifting heavy pieces of equipment into place. If you are not physically healthy, this may not be the career for you.
