Here we will take a look at the education provided through a mechanic school, the courses you will experience and we’ll also find out more regarding apprenticeships and the career outlook.
Available Education Programs
The certificate program will focus on the core aspects for this position, which will include routine maintenance and repairs, electric systems, diagnostic testing and common trouble shooting issues. This one year program is designed to provide the student with the credentials that are needed for an entry level position.
The associate’s degree will take two years to complete and provides a more in-depth look into how to repair and maintain diesel engines, how to rework a vehicle’s electric system and how to perform brake and hydraulic system maintenance. To qualify for these programs the applicant will need to be at least 18 years of age and have their high school diploma or GED. Some schools may have stricter enrollment requirements, such as previous experience in the field, high admission testing scores and letters of recommendation.
Both the certificate program and the associate’s degree program will provide classroom courses that will include information that is designed to prepare them for the material that is covered in the diesel mechanic certification exam. These exams are offered through a number of accredited automotive technology organizations.
Once a student has completed a program they will be eligible for the certification exam through the National Institution of American Service Excellence, also known as the ASE. While you aren’t required to have this type of certification to work in the field, an employer will prefer to hire a diesel technician that has obtained their certification.
How to Prepare for a Program
Individuals that are interested in this type of career field should begin preparing for it when they are still in high school by taking available electives that are related to electric engineering or mechanics in addition to science and math courses.
To qualify for the different types of specialization programs the mechanic will need to have previously completed a basic diesel mechanic program and have one to two years of experience working in a professional garage. These specialty programs will allow the mechanic to have a specialty area such as working primarily on transmissions, engines or electrical systems. By having a specialty the mechanic will increase their chances of employment and can also anticipate having a higher annual salary. These programs are usually six to twelve months in length and are offered through vocational, technical or trade schools.
