Next Start

June 23

MEET OUR EMPLOYERS

Diesel Service Manager Explains the Benefits of a Career in Diesel

"There’s a whole host of things technicians could do, but the starting point is that initial relationship inside the UTI events we go to."

As service manager for Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison in Orlando, Florida, David Bret Galloway connects with some of his employees before they even graduate school. Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison directly recruits talent from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Orlando, with representatives visiting career fairs to meet students and build early relationships.1

There are currently five UTI grads working for David. David’s team goes to UTI events to interview people while they’re still in school, so they can track their progress and monitor their potential in the industry. UTI students who have good grades and attendance particularly stand out to the team.

“If you’re not going to be at school, you’re not going to be here,” says David. “That’s a key indicator for us as managers. The grades are the other piece of it. If you’re not going to be attentive to your grades, you’re not going to be attentive to what we do and our customer base.”

David continues, “Our integrity and our reputation precede us long before I got here. We value that very much. We try to hire based on those two indicators, that you’re going to be here, and that you’re going to take care of our customers’ equipment.”

Diverse Work in Diesel

If working on big engines and equipment is what you love, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison has plenty of opportunity. The company does more than repair a variety of equipment. The business builds fracking machines, manufacturers equipment and operates barges on rivers.

“There’s a whole host of things technicians could do, but the starting point is that initial relationship inside the UTI events we go to,” David says.

Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison is a company that focuses on long-term growth for employees. David says the hiring managers evaluate candidates based on strengths, talents and interests. Then, the business can create a career path based on what the employee wants to do, not what the company necessarily needs them to do. From the moment a candidate is hired, the business looks down the road to see where their growth potential can take them.

There’s also an apprenticeship program new hires start in. They learn the trades of the business, and also start mapping out a plan for evolving their career with the company, whether that’s moving to a different department or moving on to a different field within the company.

David says compared to many careers available, working as a diesel technician who working on vehicles and equipment that power businesses and deliver can be a very lucrative choice.

“There’s a lot of careers available in our industry,” David says. “Our industry is so short-staffed right now, it’s unbelievable. You can tell that because the average wait time to have repairs done in any shop across the country is days, not hours. The overwhelming trend in our business today is you can’t find quality technicians. They’re just not out there.”

Advice for Those Who Want a Diesel Career

David says another key quality he looks for in employees is integrity. That relates to a willingness to work hard and do a job well done. New employees continue to go through training at the shop to get full certifications, so curiosity and a love for learning are key.

“When you’re asked to do something, do it to the best of your ability,” David says. “When you don’t know, say you don’t know. We get that. When you don’t know, take it on and do it and ask questions along the way. Retain the knowledge and what you learned in the process to help you in the next job you do.”

If you or a loved one are interested in a career in diesel, learn more about UTI’s Diesel Technology Program here.


A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.63) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm. BLS projects total employment will increase from 11,400 in 2023 to 18,200 in 2033. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

Privacy PolicyLegal NoticeAccessibilityDisclosures

Do Not Sell My Personal Information