Position Profile
Truck Technician
Some of the Facts
Truck Technicians Are Essential
Truck Technicians can go by many names. They are often referred to as Diesel Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Technicians, Heavy Duty Mechanics or Diesel Technicians but a Truck Technician can be responsible for more than just Diesel, especially as alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas, Bio Diesel and Electric are making up a bigger portion of fleets.
Truck Mechanics are responsible for keeping our economy moving. They keep our Transportation Trucks in good working order to ensure the delivery of goods. They are also tasked with repairs and maintenance for School Busses, Transit Busses and Coach Busses to ensure that our kids can get to schools, workers can get to their jobs and travelers can reach their destination.
We rely heavily on Trucks and Busses and need experienced technicians to keep us moving.
“Truck Technicians Keep The Economy Moving”
It Is More Than Just Diesel Trucks
What A Truck Tech Works On
Diesel Trucks
Bus and Coach
Alternative Fuels
Engines
How To Become A
Truck Technician
Start a Rewarding Career as A
Truck Technicians
If you take on a career as a Truck Technician or Diesel Mechanic a lot of the learning will be done on the job. This can be done through a formal apprenticeship as well as learning as you go. Most Mechanics are eager to share their knowledge and will help you out as you go. That being said taking a formal education at a recognized college or training center will give you a big leg up.
Recent graduates can expect a higher starting wage, and will be trusted with more indepth repairs and maintenance. Also when it comes to promotions those who have a formal education as well as certification will be given preference so it is always our recommendation to start your career at school. Don’t worry tech school is a very hands on learning environment.
There Are Many Good Tech Colleges
Rockstar Recommendations
Keys To Success
What You Need
Certification/Training
Collect As Many Certifications and Licenses As Possible
A Certification or License is only a piece of paper but it signifies so much more. It indicates to employers that you take the trade seriously and that you know what you are doing.
Every single training program that you take will make you more valuable. The more valuable you are the higher your base wage will be and the more opportunities that will be available for promotion.
Attitude Is As Important as Training
The trade is difficult, it takes time to learn, no one is going to be an expert over night. Be patient and come in every day with an attitude to learn.
- No Whining
- Ask For Help
- Take Training
- Be On Time
- Stay Until The Job Is Done
- Help Others
Career Path Options
Many technicians after completing their apprenticeship enjoy a career as a mobile technician. This involves operating a service truck and responding to breakdowns. Many enjoy getting out of the shop and being able to assist drivers when they need it the most. A good field technician needs to be strong at diagnostics and able to come up with creative solutions. You do not have a whole shop available to you, you have to make the repair with what you have on hand.
Many experienced technicians like to use their experience and expertise to train the next generation of Diesel Technicians and Truck Mechanics. Colleges are always looking for new instructors and many companies also employ in house trainers.
While management is not for everyone many techs are able to climb the ladder into supervisory and management roles. These are challenging positions but can be very rewarding.
Wrenching is a very physically demanding job, many technicians chose to move into a parts or service admin role later in their career. This is a great way to use the knowledge they have gained while taking on a less physically demanding role.
The lessons learned as a tech can translate into a trustworthy and reliable sales rep. While not all technicians will enjoy sales there are some that love talking about the ins and outs of trucks and they typically can go on to a career in sales.
Mechanics, What is Your Exit Strategy?
Mechanics have to have a plan for how and when to get off the shop floor. Start planning for your future career now!