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Diesel Career Questions

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Nathan in MN

06-29-2005 15:59:33

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I"m nearing the end of my high school career, and of course, that means college searches. I"d like to be a diesel mechanic, and I"ve found several schools that have it, but my question is this: how important is the degree? I"ve found a few places (favorite right now is Montana State University Northern in Havre) that have Bachelor"s Degree in diesel technology, but most places just have an Associate"s Degree.

When an employer sees my resume, will it matter to him whether I have an Associate"s or Bachelor"s, or does he just want to know that I have some type of education?

Thanks in advance for the help,

Nathan in MN

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07-01-2005 00:49:31

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Get as much education as you can. Just make sure you go to a school that teaches instead of just takes your money.
I work for a Detroit Diesel distributator & we have been hiring people from Wyoming Tech & from some of the tech schools in Wi.
Right now we are so short on help that if you came to our shop & expressed desire to learn we would hire you right away. Like some others have said you may not want to turn wrenches all your life so also take classes in management also.
I had taken some management classes when I was in diesel school & my boss saw that. One & a half years after I got hired I was running a department & now I run the nightshift so education pays.

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Hal/WA

06-30-2005 21:20:18

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

1. Have you ever been to Havre? In my humble opinion, Havre is one of the worst places to live in Montana. The climate there is AWFUL! Not my idea of a good time.

2. One of my good friends is a diesel mechanic, and a very good one. He has worked in that field for about 30 years. In the 70's he used to make what I thought was very good money, but unfortunately he now makes about the same amount of dollars an hour as he did then, and those dollars sure don't go as far. He is having a hard time making it on what he is now earning, and ends up doing a lot of side jobs to make up the difference.

There are lots of qualified people who want the jobs and this competition means that the employers can get the work done for less. Good for the employer, but real hard on the working man. I would check out how things are in the location you want to work and then decide if you still want to go into the diesel mech field.

3. I would look into your local community college system to see if they have a mechanics program. I also would suggest seeing if there is some kink of apprenticeship program in your area. Another option would be enlisting in the Service--With enlistments down, I bet you could get guaranteed schooling in diesel mechanics, or whatever else you might want. Not all military folks work in combat. Most spend almost all their time doing other jobs. And the military will finance your education during and after your enlistment.

Good luck to you, but I would sure check out Havre before committing yourself to be there for an extended time period.....

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dan67

06-30-2005 20:58:40

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

I got an associate of applied sciences degree in Diesel tech and also one in automotive for Oregon Institute of technology approx 20 years ago. Then the two year degree was set for the hands on tech the four year degree gave you more Business, math, english, ect. The were trying to make you more set up for management. You need to look at the class schedules to see if the school of your choose is doing that. Good luck in your future

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Patrick Ouellet

06-30-2005 14:50:30

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

My heart was (and still is) in the same place yours seems to be now. Remember, you did ask so here is my two cents worth. You have the advantage now of age. Aside from getting hung up on a title of "technician" or "mechanic" I agree with many of the others, obtain a 4 year degree. This does not by any means limit you in your mechanical abilities. It does however open doors that have been closed to those of us that had your ambition and have not been able to graduate beyond supervisory positions within a shop so to speak. Going to college does not mean that you can"t learn "hands-on" or "OJT" experience, which is as some of your responders have mentioned is what really counts. Take advantage of your age, complete college and during your in-between times at school hire on somewhere as a shop helper. If your heart, desire and attitude are in the right frame you can learn valuable skills and information from these old timers that have been there for a while. Good Luck.

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Mike M

06-30-2005 05:50:16

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Here's some advice based on what I see at the auto dealership.You need alot of computer and electronics training. Now problem is, anyone with that kinda knowledge can make more money in a better environment in the electronics field than you ever will repairing cars.This is also a Flat- Rate pay profession I'm not sure how the equipment dealers do their pay.I'm not a big fan of flat -rate as I think it results in cut- rate quailty of repairs. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do. Now if you want to make the BIG money with all the perks and benefits then get into politics !

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Frank M.

06-30-2005 18:35:29

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Mike M, 06-30-2005 05:50:16

Ahh politics. Poli (poly) Latin term meaning many. Tics (ticks) Blood-sucking parasites.

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mike brown

06-30-2005 03:52:59

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Get the bachelors (or more) degree. The future of engines is FADEC, full authority digital engine control. You want to be positioned to be on top of that wave and let the techies bust their knuckles tearing them down. If you are good at math consider mechanical engineering. Having an eduation will open doors you don't even know exist.

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NC Wayne

06-29-2005 21:44:24

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Being in the repair industry as an independent I've seen my share of guys with a "mechanics degree" and no real life field experience and to be honest they usually don't impress me all that much. Too many of them have the "education" but that's it. Basically the tech schools seem to turn out parts changers instead of true mechanics. By this I mean it's fine to know that if code 'A' flashes the book says to check/replace part 'B', and they can do this with no problem. The problem comes when you ask them why code 'A' flashed (say high eng temp)and they needed to replace part 'B' which was the thermostat the customer had taken out. Granted that's a simplified scenario but the point is they know how to read codes and change parts but have no idea how the parts/systems function together. In my opinion that's what a true tech school is supposed to teach. It should teach you how to use your biggest troubleshooting asset, in other words your brain, and not just how to read a computer and change a part with no understanding of why your doing it.... Don't get me wrong, I've never been one to down an education because the more you know the better off you are, but based on experience nothing beats good old OJT. As far as your question, most of the guys I know personally that run independant repair shops, as well as a few dealerships couldn't care less if you have a degree or not. What they want is somebody that has enough experience to do the job on their own or, at the very least, have the basic knowledge along with the common sense to learn. Finally, and most importantly the want somebody that will at least show up every day and be willing to work. Now you get above their heads into the corprate offices and a degree means everything...of course then your typically talking about a guy with a degree and no other experience to speek of, so of course the degree means alot to him or, by extension, his would mean nothing.... There are exceptions to every rule but I see way more of what my Great Grandma used to call educated idiots (ie-technicians) out there than I do true mechanics. So my advice, learn all you can where ever you can, but never forget that nothing beats OJT and using your head, and please don't become a "technician", learn to be a real mechanic....true it may not sound as high tech, but to me the title of Mechanic is way more prestigious....

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Brokenwrench

06-30-2005 09:00:45

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to NC Wayne, 06-29-2005 21:44:24

Talking about techs and mechanics reminded me of a cute story. We own an independant shop (transmission). A few years ago I had a friend of my moms want to come up from the cities to pheasant hunt with me and my brother in law. He brought with him a few of his friends. One was this snobby kid who seemed like he had an answer for everything. After hunting all morning we decided to stop and eat at the local cafe. During dinner coversation led to what we all did for a living. My BIL asked this kid what he did, he said he was a "technician". So my BIL said, oh your a mechanic. The kid rolled his eyes and stressed that he was a technician. When asked what the difference was he flipped the bill of his hat up put this dumb look on his face and said "this is a mechanic". Then he straightened his hat sat up straight and said "this is a technician". Then he asked me what I did for a living and with out saying a word I flipped up the bill of my hat put the same dumb look on my face and grinned. The kid about crawled under the table, and my BIL just about wet himself laughing so hard. I know this is off topic of the question asked it just reminded me of it.
Back to the question, I'm always one for education, not having any formal college or tech school training myself. I participate in any education offered in my area. Last summer I spent two weeks at an ACDelco school. It was great.
I think a degree helps to get you in the door, but remember that you never stop learning. And wherever you end up, realize that you can learn alot from the people around you. The great thing about the repair industry, is that theres alot of people willing to share knowledge with you.
Sorry for the long post Brokenwrench

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buickanddeere

06-29-2005 21:49:35

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to NC Wayne, 06-29-2005 21:44:24

I see it the other way around. The guys who know the theory understand, trouble shoot logically, diagnose and repair the machine. The person who doesn't understand just throws parts at the machine hoping to swap the defective component. There is pressure from the shop owner to change as many parts as possible as the mark-up and profit is good.

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Phillip Al

06-29-2005 21:16:43

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Nathan,
I just wanted to throw my opinion in too. I work for the Cat dealer in Alabama. Thompson, like many other dealers offer a scholarship program that may interest you. You participate in classroom training and on - the - job training rotating every 3 months. It seems like a very good deal, but I am not familiar with what commitments are required. If you are interested, you can email me and I will try to get more info from Cat for you or I am sure the dealer would be glad to explain their program. It is a real challenge and concern to recruit young people with the ability and desire to do this type work. That makes it a settled fact that you can make a very good living now with endless opportunities later. One more bit of advice, learn as much as you can about computers and electronics. Those two skills can really set you apart from the crowd and pay off big $$$$.

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Russel

06-29-2005 21:13:25

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

If you want to succeed as a diesel mechanic or in the power repair field you will have to have electricity, electronic and computer diagnostic skills.

If you have those, or get them you will not have to spend as much money on tools as a wrench person will.

You will also find management and communication courses valuable in dealing with customers and bosses.

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Phillip Al

06-29-2005 21:19:27

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Russel, 06-29-2005 21:13:25

Russel,
Where are you from?

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RusselAZ

06-30-2005 12:54:10

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Phillip Al, 06-29-2005 21:19:27

Arizona. I forgot to add it to my name!!

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dieseltruk

06-29-2005 19:22:52

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Nathan,

I worked on the line in auto and truck shops when I was young. Money was great and I loved fixing cars and heavy trucks. After 5 years, I was able to hire on with a major auto / truck mfg. where I have now worked for 33 years. Believe me, the degree does make the difference if you want to come off the repair line in dealerships and work for a mfg. where the advancement opportunities are wide open and the benefit / retirement packages are much better than a dealership can afford to offer.

The whole auto / truck / farm implement / heavy equipment industry are in dire need of good technical people in all facets of the business.

Look for a good technical college and get the best degree you can to go along with your technical trainng skills.

Remember.... if you have a skilled trade, no one can take that away from you. In the automotive or truck industry, you are only limited by your own level of ambition.....

Good luck, we need more young men with your technical desires.

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j meyer

06-29-2005 19:06:02

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Nathan- I guess my first question to you is what color, if any matter to you. If you are a John Deere man, dealers will sponsor you to go to their school. I am from SE Minnesota and I chose to go to Riverland CC in Austin just 4 short years ago. Other then Riverland, you got Mankato and If your not a JD nut, either would be great progams. I guess as long as you got some farm equipment common sense and you can mechanically understand equipment and tractors, your school of choice, in my head, matters very little. I guess I could never see myself paying for 4 years of college, taking english and math and history to turn a wrench. Its up to you, and if you want ANY more advice, ask! I was just where you are now, and right now I am working a darn good job at a Deere dealer, being from an Oliver background. Its a heck of a industry, just one word of advice, have fun at college, but study too, we are the future of this industry!

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Rich Iowa

06-29-2005 18:29:51

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Nathan, a friend of mine went out to WyoTech in Wyoming, can't remember which town. Type WyoTech in a search engine and you'll find their website. It was pretty expensive from what I hear, but they have a very good program there. I looked into it, but have grown disinterested in fixing stuff. Getting the education may help get your leg up the ladder, but you'll have to work your butt off to prove you really want to do the work. Good luck on your desision, Rich

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Hound

06-29-2005 16:54:39

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

..like others have said, get the education. It'll will get you in the door faster and probably a rung or two up the ladder faster. Hound

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buckva

06-29-2005 16:37:21

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to Nathan in MN, 06-29-2005 15:59:33

Get the education. A job specific education will get you in the door a lot quicker and continue to pay for the rest of your life. Even if not job specific it showes that you have the will to learn.

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rotten robert

06-29-2005 16:43:09

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to buckva, 06-29-2005 16:37:21

Go for the education but be ready to start on the ground floor jobwise. Lot"s of big trucking companies are hurting for techs right now. The diesel field is rapidly changing now with all the new computerized and emissions compliant engines that are coming out.

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504

06-29-2005 19:11:50

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to rotten robert, 06-29-2005 16:43:09

Nathan,Go for the B.A.,10 years down the road when you are tired of the dirt,grease and bosses who can`t even change oil, you will be able to start your own shop or go into a differant line of work because you have a B.A.. Make friends with everybody you can when you are young because when you are 30 those people are the ones who will be looking for help,making loans and running for public office.

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Ray,IN

06-29-2005 21:09:17

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Re: Diesel Career Questions in reply to 504, 06-29-2005 19:11:50

I can relate this example. My youngest son-in-law attended a vocational school(2yrs) in Indianapolis about 7 yrs ago and graduated first in diesel technology class. He was hired prior to graduation by a major truck line, and worked as a mechanic for about 4 years. He was promoted to shop foreman and transfered to another city. He was there for 1 yr and received another promotion and sent to St. Louis where he is shop manager. He is now 27 years old. Some of his classmates that graduated near the bottom are still here in town - turning wrenches. Hard work does have it's rewards! Good Luck and congratulations on choosing a demanding career that is sought after by business. The percentage of diesel powered vehicles is expected to double in 5 years, and the demand for quality mechanics must also double.

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