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Diesel Mechanic Certificate Programs

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Diesel Mechanic Schools

Diesel engines are the heavier versions as those found in your average American car. Much of our country relies on these powerful heavy duty engines which are used in service and delivery trucks, tractors, combines, locomotives, buses, boats, lighter personal work trucks and even a few types of sedans. More than that, diesel engines are used in many areas such as oil rigs, power plants and most hydraulic systems. Like any machine they need to be maintained, repaired or replaced and who does this kind of work? Diesel mechanics do.

diesel mechanic school With today's growing technology diesel mechanics have a need to be versatile and have the ability to adapt to customer's needs, especially with electronics are being introduced more and more into the workings of these heavy engines.


Many mechanics start our their careers in high school or trade school and then progress to specialize in diesel mechanics getting on-the-job training or go to school for a certification or degree. Those mechanics that are not certified or have a degree will find the job market more competitive and limited than those who do get a formal education.

Where Do I Find Diesel Mechanic Training

While you can go for generalized diesel mechanic courses and degrees, you can also specialize in certain areas. To find the school that will suit your desired level or training, you can contact any of the schools below.

This type of career training is as much hands-on training as classroom work so if the school does not offer you hands on experience, it may not be the best one for you. These types of courses can take from 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the level of education you want.

Another thing to look for when searching for diesel mechanic courses is to be certain they teach you what you need to know to get Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. These credentials are recognized as an industry standard.

What Will I Learn During my Training

When you take diesel mechanic courses you will find yourself learning things such as:

  • Engine management systems and accessories
  • Fluid, Power and Electrical systems
  • Engines
  • Power trains
  • Exhaust systems
  • Heavy torque converters
  • Transport refrigeration
  • Diesel engine theory and design
  • Engine performance
  • Testing and Estimations
  • Electronic controls and microprocessors.

Some of the specializations you focus in are:

  • Advanced diesel
  • Service management
  • Light duty diesel
  • Marine diesel engines
  • Motorsports engines
  • Locomotive engine repair
  • Street rod building

What Kinds Of Jobs are Available

Diesel mechanics can find a wide range of job opportunities in different fields such as bus mechanic, fleet mechanic for trucking companies or corporations, marine diesel mechanic working on cruise, cargo or other types of diesel ships, motorsports pit crew and mechanic, farm machine mechanic, working on oil drilling rigs, or in power plants. Go big, Go Diesel and secure a well maintained future by requesting information from any of the diesel mechanic schools listed below.

 

Becoming a Diesel Mechanic

 

If you want to start a career as a diesel mechanic then today is the perfect time to get started. Getting trained to become a diesel mechanic is easy but it does differ than being an auto mechanic. It use to be that diesel mechanics only worked on trucks are larger equipment that typically use diesel fuel to power their engines. These days however higher performance vehicles including trucks and even some SUV’s are not diesel powered. Diesel mechanics are trained to properly diagnose problems associated with diesel engines. Trucks for example could also be equipped with special hydraulic equipment in the back or underneath that serves as support. This type of equipment is different than a car thus it needs a qualified and certified diesel mechanic to do the work on it.


Many diesel mechanics specialize in particular type of work including heavy diesel machinery which can include large cranes where others will deal specifically in engine repair on pickups or commercial vehicles. Diesel mechanics work with computer systems and electronic controls to inspect and make sure the engines are running in peak performance. They mainly work with their hands and use hand tools and laptop computers to do their work.


One of the more sought after careers these days is in diesel and industrial machinery. As a mechanic you’ll work on large hauling trucks and companies like Caterpillar, Cummins and North American are large trucking companies that hire skilled diesel mechanics to maintain their fleet. These types of programs are typically design so you become a master certified.


Education Requirements & Schools

 

Usually the only educational requirements needed to get into an diesel mechanic school is that you have a high school diploma or GED. Locate any of the schools we have listed on this page to begin your research. We list trade programs from schools that offer ASE certified training programs. Many of the postsecondary schools have programs that range from as few as 12 months to 2 years depending on the type of program you attend. The shorter programs you’ll gain a certification and certificate of completion from the school where 2 year programs you’ll earn an associate’s degree.


Every school is different in terms of how they teach you about diesel mechanics and what you’ll learn. The goal is of course to get trained by a certified leading school so once you graduate you’ll have the proper certifications to get a job. The first step, after you find a school, is to request information so they can send you information about your program in the mail. This gives you the time to look over the info to make sure what they offer is exactly what you need. Write down the questions you have for them and then give them a call to discuss the program.


Career Support

 

One of the advantages of going to one of the schools we have listed is that they all offer great career support. Many have specific career services departments that will help you find job leads once you graduate. Many of the larger schools work with local companies that are always needing employees and they act as a feeder school for them. The companies even attend job fairs at the school so you’ll get a chance to showcase your talents and give them your resume even before you graduate. When companies are looking for employees they want you to have the proper certifications to do the job. The career services departments at these schools will even help you write a good resume and many will continue to support you well after you get your first job. Many have on-campus recruiting events and will give you full access to their nationwide job database where you can find employments nationwide.


Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Aid

 

One of the biggest questions we get asked is how much do these programs cost and what are my options when it comes to paying for school. To answer the first question it really depends on the school and program you are taking so it is best to first find a school on this page and request info so you can get the most updated tuition costs.


In terms of scholarships you have a wide variety of ways in which to find scholarships for your school. The first is to find scholarships that are available to anyone nationwide that is going to school for the first time or if you are a non-traditional student you should be able to find scholarships that fit your needs. These scholarships sometimes require you to write an essay where others are on a first come or needs basis. For financial aid many of the schools offer Title IV financial aid. This aid will need to be paid back unless you qualify for federal funding that isn’t considered a loan. Before you enroll you’ll need to verify the different types of funding the school accepts. Many schools offer their own tuition payment plans, which makes it easier as you pay while you study so that once you graduate you don’t owe a lot of money.


Different Types of Career Opportunities

 

As mentioned before many diesel mechanics find employment at car dealerships, specialized heavy machinery shops but some go into more specialized work such as locomotive maintenance. This is extremely specialized but it deals in diesel engines. Some of the largest haulers in the nation including: CR England, Schneider, JBHunt, Prime Inc. and Roehl Transport are all in a billion dollar industry that need certified diesel mechanics to maintain their fleet of trucks. Also large trucking gas stations often have a maintenance shop that strictly deals in fixing big rigs.


Diesel Mechanic Resources
Association of Diesel Specialists
BLS - Diesel Technicians