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Are you an analytical thinker and hands-on learner passionate about helping others? If so, diesel mechanic school may be a good fit for you.
Diesel mechanics play a vital role in our society and serve some of the most important industries in the world, including transportation, agriculture and power generation. A mechanics' primary responsibility is maintaining and repairing diesel-powered vehicles and machines.
This challenging career calls for skills that are in demand across the nation, including South Florida. If you live near Miami and are up to the challenge, keep reading.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), diesel mechanics can learn on the job, but most employers prefer candidates with a formal education in diesel mechanics.
A well-rounded diesel mechanic training program, like the one offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), helps students to develop the hard and soft skills necessary to pursue careers in the field.1
This can include training in professionalism, as well as proper maintenance, diagnosis, reparation and overhaul of diesel-powered vehicles and machines. Diesel mechanic training programs typically prepare students to:
There are various technical schools in Florida, so let’s discuss a few ways to ensure you’re choosing the right one.
The first is to make sure the institution offers career services or employment assistance. UTI’s Miramar campus offers resume development, interview training and access to a nationwide job database.
Another way to narrow down your “diesel mechanic school near me” search is to ensure your top picks are accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education. UTI’s programs are accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) whose mission is to ensure a quality education.
UTI Miramar provides an industry-aligned curriculum relevant to the current field of diesel mechanics.
Industry-leading brands helped UTI develop a curriculum that mirrors the field's current demands. As technology advances, mechanics are also required to advance their skills. UTI prides itself on preparing students to pursue a career in the everchanging field through the following courses:
The diesel mechanic courses offered at UTI can also help graduates be prepared to test for industry certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Much like formal education, diesel mechanics are not required to obtain certification. However, most employers prefer candidates working toward certification, as it proves they can provide reliable service on their behalf.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers various distinguishable and well-known certifications. The nonprofit organization has tasked itself with ensuring mechanics provide accurate and trustworthy service.
To become ASE certified, diesel mechanics must have at least two years of hands-on work experience and pass a rigorous online test. UTI graduates can substitute their education for one of the two years of required work experience. Additionally, UTI’s diesel mechanic program is master certified by the ASE Education Foundation. Every instructor carries ASE certification as well and can help prepare students to take the certification exam.
The ASE organization offers various diesel mechanic certifications. A few include:
In addition to completing a diesel mechanic training program, many diesel mechanics rely on ASE test prep and training resources to help prepare them. The tests are not designed to be easy. ASE certifications carry a lot of weight in the field as they prove consumers can trust a particular mechanic or business.
According to the BLS, there were 11,680 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in Florida in May 2021.48 This makes Florida among the top five states with the highest employment level of diesel mechanics in the United States. Let’s look at the types of jobs and industries in which diesel mechanics can be employed.
Diesel mechanics can work in various industries depending on their preferences and unique experience. A few common industries include:
UTI graduates can pursue the following entry-level roles:
Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with hard work. Here are a few advanced roles in this industry77:
The Miramar campus is approximately 25 miles north of Miami, with tolls. The fastest driving route with tolls is as follows:
Without tolls, the Miramar campus is approximately 30 miles North of Miami. If you’d like to avoid toll roads, take the following directions:
If you’re not sure the diesel mechanic path is a good fit but are interested in training for a skilled trade, check out other Miramar programs offered below.
The Miramar automotive school takes just 51 weeks to complete.7 Throughout the program, students receive industry-aligned instruction and hands-on practice in labs that reflect automotive repair shops in the field. Miramar automotive courses include:
Upon graduating from UTI, students are prepared to pursue entry-level roles as automotive technicians, service writers, smog inspectors or parts associates.77
The Miramar welding school is a 36-week program developed with the help of Lincoln Electric, an industry-leading brand. The curriculum ensures students gain practice learning with the tools and machines found in the field. Welding courses include:
Throughout their training, students learn combination welding, equipping them with the skills they need to pursue a career. Graduates can pursue entry-level welding careers as fabrication welders, welder fitters and wirers.
While some diesel mechanics receive on-the-job training after high school, the BLS reports that employers may prefer candidates with a postsecondary mechanic education. Attending a technical school may better prepare you to pursue a career and may ease the transition into the field.
The amount of time it takes to become a mechanic depends on the path you take. UTI Miramar’s diesel mechanic school is a 45-week program.7
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $50,200 in May 2020.29 This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
From providing professional customer service to maintaining brake systems, in less than one year, UTI’s diesel mechanic graduates can gain the knowledge and technical skills many employers look for in entry-level candidates.1 Ready to get started? Request more information online or schedule a campus tour today!
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