Engine Builder Magazine featured a good article at the end of August on reasons why you may want to consider becoming a diesel mechanic. In fact, the article suggests that there's never been a better time to be a diesel mechanic than now, and it lays out a lot of good reasons.
Let's turn to the article.
The author is Karen Scally of GearFlow.com. And the very first reason she cited is the first that came to my own mind. The only difference is that she's got numbers. To write this article Scally approached Tim Spurlock, CEO and founder of the American Diesel Training Centers, and picked his brain. This is a guy with his thumb on the pulse of what is happening in the diesel realm. These are the ten reasons he offers to consider a career as a diesel mechanic.
1. A Shortage of Mechanics
There are more than 19,000 openings for diesel mechanics at Indeed.com, a premiere site for job listings. There's another 17,000 listings for heavy equipment mechanics. Spurlock says this probably represents only half of what's available out there. The need is great, and there are probably 25% fewer mechanics than openings. The real need for diesel technicians is between 30,000 and 50,000 a year, he says.
There are more than 19,000 openings for diesel mechanics at Indeed.com, a premiere site for job listings. There's another 17,000 listings for heavy equipment mechanics. Spurlock says this probably represents only half of what's available out there. The need is great, and there are probably 25% fewer mechanics than openings. The real need for diesel technicians is between 30,000 and 50,000 a year, he says.
Furthermore, experienced diesel mechanics are leaving the market faster than they can be replaced.
2. Cost of Post-Secondary Education
The costs have gotten too high in most schools and the kids graduate with too much debt. That kid, fresh out of school, is not going to be paid what he needs to live and to pay down his debt. It's a serious issue.
The costs have gotten too high in most schools and the kids graduate with too much debt. That kid, fresh out of school, is not going to be paid what he needs to live and to pay down his debt. It's a serious issue.
3. Cheaper and Faster Training Exists
In reality, alternatives to the post-college route. This is what prompted Spurlock to start the American Diesel Training Centers (ADTC).
In reality, alternatives to the post-college route. This is what prompted Spurlock to start the American Diesel Training Centers (ADTC).
4. Basic Skills Get You Hired
Most skills overtrain when they don't need to, Spurlock says. What you need in most cases is a foundational understanding, not a comprehensive one. You're not building an engine, you're maintaining equipment. You do not need to be an engineer.
Most skills overtrain when they don't need to, Spurlock says. What you need in most cases is a foundational understanding, not a comprehensive one. You're not building an engine, you're maintaining equipment. You do not need to be an engineer.
When Spurlock started ADTC he did extensive research as regards what was important for new mechanics to know, determined by those who do the hiring. There were 420 essential tasks identified and their program was designed to teach mastery of these fundamentals. "Essentially we're a boot camp for truck and heavy equipment mechanics," he says.
5. Work and Train Simultaneously
The program is designed to enable students to work they jobs while taking classes. It's designed for working adults to help them transition into a career with upward mobility.
The program is designed to enable students to work they jobs while taking classes. It's designed for working adults to help them transition into a career with upward mobility.
6. Student Loans Aren't Necessary
The tuition is $10,000 but the school has alternative mechanisms in place to help students resolve the financial aspects of training.
The tuition is $10,000 but the school has alternative mechanisms in place to help students resolve the financial aspects of training.
7. Adaptive Online Curriculum
Not everyone likes school, so ADTC has alternative approaches to getting students trained.
Not everyone likes school, so ADTC has alternative approaches to getting students trained.
8. Not Just for New Grads
Many technical schools are a vacuum for young people just out of high school. The average age for students at ADTC is 27. There's a greater seriousness and level of commitment to finding career solutions once they have experienced a little of the real world. They even have a special 5-week program for veterans that accepts student tuition from the GI Bill.
Many technical schools are a vacuum for young people just out of high school. The average age for students at ADTC is 27. There's a greater seriousness and level of commitment to finding career solutions once they have experienced a little of the real world. They even have a special 5-week program for veterans that accepts student tuition from the GI Bill.
9. Training Opens Doors to Many Career Paths
Training to work as a diesel mechanic is not a dead end. That is, your ability to work on diesel engines can lead to all kinds of other opportunities. Many car dealerships, for example, will annually send mechanics to get further training in other kinds of engines. The door, once open, is a stepping stone to much more.
Training to work as a diesel mechanic is not a dead end. That is, your ability to work on diesel engines can lead to all kinds of other opportunities. Many car dealerships, for example, will annually send mechanics to get further training in other kinds of engines. The door, once open, is a stepping stone to much more.
10. Make More Money
According to Spurlock the job placement rate for students has been near 100% with grads now working at more than 140 companies. "Most of our folks are placed before they graduate," he says.
According to Spurlock the job placement rate for students has been near 100% with grads now working at more than 140 companies. "Most of our folks are placed before they graduate," he says.
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Each of these 10 arguments for becoming a diesel mechanic was expanded on at length in the article. You can read it in its entirety here:
| https://www.enginebuildermag.com/2020/08/10-reasons-to-be- |
In a world where networking is everything, this seems like an especially compelling argument for ADTC. And yes, the article sounds like a sales pitch for the school, but the arguments for considering this kind of career are valid. I would make sure you do your due diligence. It does sound like they've done a thorough job of thinking through the issues.
Whichever route you take, if you have the slightest inclination toward turning a wrench... it's good to know that there are opportunities for those who are motivated.
Diesel engines power our economy. From construction and racing to agriculture and manufacturing; diesel equipment and trucks keep some of the world’s most important markets running. Our dependence on diesel engines will continue to grow. Diesel mechanics (often referred to as diesel technicians) inspect, repair and overhaul trucks, buses and any vehicle with a diesel engine. Race trucks, bulldozers, class 8 tractors, pick-ups, cranes, farm equipment, generators, and dump trucks are just a few of the vehicles they commonly work on. These diesel mechanics possess in-depth knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, old and new diesel engines and all of their working parts. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with computer technology and the ability to think on their feet. These guys are really important to diesel users and enthusiasts.
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