Editor's Note: Tom Robertson is the diesel education manager at the Universal Technical Institute, Houston Campus. For more info, visit www.uti.edu.
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In today's worldwide market, skilled diesel technicians are in high demand. In fact, diesel technician jobs are expected to grow 11 percent through 2016 according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The department also estimates there will be about 306,000 diesel technician jobs in 2016. As a result, prospective employees are turning to formal training programs to learn the skills that prepare them for big career growth.
"Choosing a diesel technician career involves important lifestyle considerations," says Stacia Norman, UTI Houston employment director. "Even though employers continue to make safety a high priority, diesel job opportunities involve extra precautions due to the enormous equipment and occasional hostile outside working environments." Stacia adds that diesel technicians must also be prepared to travel to where work is needed. Careers in the diesel industry can be found throughout the United States and overseas.
Potential jobs include repairing and maintaining diesel engines that power transportation such as buses, trucks, and trains. Heavy-vehicle and mobile-equipment jobs involve bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, tractor servicing, and more. Stationary diesel engine jobs are also available on oil rigs and power stations.
U.S. employers find it increasingly important to hire people who are able to adapt to sophisticated diesel technology and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Understanding Market Demand
People considering this occupation can expect relatively steady work. At the Houston campus of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a leading national provider of technical education, program graduates benefit from the company's strong industry relationships when seeking jobs. Such opportunities are unlikely to decline anytime soon. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, changes in economic conditions have less effect on the diesel repair business than other sectors of the economy.
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Even with gas prices fluctuating, there is a notable increase in the demand for skilled diesel technicians in the oil industry, especially in coastal communities. Oil rig jobs are on the rise and technicians are finding that much of their diesel training is transferable to oil rig opportunities. Diesel technicians will also be needed to keep up with the increasing volume of freight shipped via diesel vehicles nationwide. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that, as baby boomers increasingly begin to retire over the next decade, there will be many vacancies to fill.
Getting The Right Education
The world of diesel education is a changing environment, and being able to adapt is essential. Career seekers can best prepare for a diesel technician position by being open to all available education opportunities. Potential students should carefully check diesel school curriculums, including advanced programs, teachers, manufacturer relations, and job placement rates before selecting a program.
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A good post-secondary program is approximately 12 months, but could take as long as two years. Training can include everything from preventive maintenance and computer controls to high-tech electronics-encompassing air brakes, hydraulics, and transport refrigeration.
When it comes to diesel training, technology is key. Many systems on large diesel vehicles and equipment are computerized and students must learn to take apart, diagnose, repair, and reassemble them. Successful technician training will teach students how to interpret technical manuals and interact professionally with co-workers and customers. All of these are key elements of technician training and exactly the skills employers are seeking.
Some schools offer more hands-on training and labs, while others focus on classroom instruction. Potential students need to consider their learning style and what the school offers before making a selection.
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Increasingly, employers work closely with schools and provide the latest equipment, techniques, and tools. Some technical schools offer manufacturer-specific training and certification. This can be a competitive advantage for graduates, because they can complete these manufacturer courses at an accelerated rate and are among the first technicians the manufacturers will hire.
Potential students can learn more about manufacturer partnerships and diesel programs on school websites, by talking to education counselors and current students, or by taking a campus tour. There are several manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Daimler Trucks (Freightliner), and International Truck that partner with technical schools.
Individuals who start a job without a technical education will usually have to prove themselves before a company or dealer will send them to manufacturer training classes. These on-the-job apprenticeships can take four to five years to complete.
Since most diesel school programs last at least one year, most prospective students need to understand tuition costs up front, and many need funding support. Just like two- and four-year colleges, there are many financial programs that support technical education, including federal financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and grants. The UTI Foundation, the 503(c)3 philanthropic arm of UTI, teams with manufacturers and dealers to offer diesel scholarships and grants to qualified students.
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Employers value technical education and they will weigh this training among several factors in their hiring process. Attendance, grades, lab work, and professionalism are all given careful attention when evaluating potential new employees.
On The Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage of a diesel engine specialist is $18 per hour. If a career path is important, there are supervisor and other management positions available at many manufacturers, dealerships, and shops. Diesel companies often look to their own pool of employees when considering promotions.
Passing the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam is necessary to become certified and get the best jobs. Some technical schools provide courses to pass the exams, otherwise, it takes about two years of practical work experience to prepare for the tests.
In The Future
The diesel industry will continue to be impacted by more exacting EPA requirements and advanced technology. The need for cleaner-burning engines and reduced emissions along with technological improvements and electronic systems will make the diesel technician job even more in demand.
Increased computerized components are creating more complex diagnosis and repair situations. Some may be too complex to learn on the job. Although national certification is not currently required for employment, many diesel-engine technicians and mechanics find that certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-the recognized industry credential for diesel and other automotive service technicians and mechanics-increases their ability to advance.
