How Do I Become a Diesel Technician?

A diesel technician is a someone who specializes in the maintenance and repair of diesel engines or diesel vehicles. This position, which might also be known as a diesel mechanic, might also be responsible for making repairs on large industrial equipment such as cranes. To become a diesel technician, you should at least have a high school diploma. After you graduate from high school, you should attend a local trade school or college to complete a diesel technician training program. If you are not able to attend a training program, you also can enter this field through on-the-job training.

One of the first steps to become a diesel technician is to obtain a high school diploma. While in high school, you should take courses in language, computer skills and math. Also, if your high school offers courses in automobile repair, you should enroll in these courses as well. This experience could be beneficial to you by helping you prepare for future diesel training or applying for a job.

Many community colleges and trade schools offer diesel training programs. These programs are designed to provide in-depth training on how to service and repair diesel engines, brakes and other important parts of diesel vehicles. The length of training programs often varies based on the program requirements. After you complete the program, you might receive a certificate or an associate’s degree in diesel technician technology.

After you become a diesel technician, there often are a variety of job opportunities from which you can choose. There are many companies that employ diesel technicians as part of their workforce. Many diesel technicians work in the trucking industry. There is an ongoing need for regular maintenance of these vehicles, so many technicians work on a full-time basis. After gaining some experience, some technicians become business owners by opening their own repair shops.

As a new diesel technician, your job duties might consist of minor repairs and maintenance such as oil changes and routine inspections. After you gain more experience, you might be given more advanced job duties as your skills begin to develop. Technology in the diesel industry often changes, so you should stay current with the latest trends through reading or taking classes. Although it is not required to become a diesel technician, some technicians obtain certification in different areas of diesel repair to advance to higher-paying positions.