Diesel Mechanics
Career on Diesel Mechanics
Buses, trains, construction vehicles, tractor-trailers, and even some cars have diesel engines that must be repaired, maintained, and serviced by trained diesel mechanics. Diesel mechanics generally attend a vocational or community college training program before entering into the work place. Salaries start at approximately $40,000 for those with a year or two of schooling and climb up to $50,000 after five years of experience. Many young men and women who cannot afford college and have a strong interest in working with engines find that diesel mechanics is an excellent career choice.
The majority of diesel repair shops in the United States require new employees to have first completed a diesel mechanics educational program. This prevents a company from spending years training brand new diesel mechanics during shop hours taking valuable time away from getting work completed on time. Instead, diesel mechanics receive their school training; usually these programs include over thirty credit hours of hands-on training and usually around fifteen to twenty classroom hours. Once a man or woman has his or her completion certificate, they can start working in repair shops as diesel mechanics.
Starting out, newly graduated diesel mechanic students are generally given the easy tasks to perform under management supervision. Over time, the newer mechanics are given additional responsibilities. The goal is to have all diesel mechanics employees ready to pass ASE exams for certification within two years. ASE is a federal program that holds all mechanics to a high level of efficiency, capability, and job performance. ASE requires members to attend continuing education seminars and classes to ensure they are keeping up to date with modifications to engines and changes to the transportation industry. After this, diesel mechanics are able to take on more job duties. After five years, they should be fully experienced in all situations and not need much supervision.
