Requirements for diesel technician jobs vary by company. However, most employers expect diesel technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

There are many ways I can dabble in the diesel technician field and gain some basic experience without working directly in a shop, including:

• Work on family members’ cars.

• Become an automotive lube or tire technician.

• Repair other types of equipment, like motorcycles or 4-wheelers.

• If I'm still in high school, I can take courses in general shop or welding.

• Shadow someone I know who is a diesel technician.

• Learn more about the industry by reading articles like these or watching videos on YouTube.

Although it’s not always a requirement for entry-level diesel tech positions, many companies require postsecondary training for their mid- to senior-level roles.

When it comes to postsecondary training programs, I have two main options:

• Obtaining an associate degree.

• Getting a certificate or technical degree.

I might decide if I want to work part-time while pursuing a degree or certificate. Or, maybe I decided school isn’t the best route for you.

Some companies will hire candidates without post-secondary training for entry-level roles and provide on-the-job training. These are great opportunities for those who do not want to further their education and are okay with possibly earning a lower starting salary because of it.

Some companies also offer part-time entry-level opportunities for those in school. These roles provide great on-the-job training and often lead to ful

As I can prepare to apply for my first maintenance job, I want to familiarize myself with companies that hire diesel technicians. I can find job openings by:

• Visiting company websites.

• Going to career fairs.

• Checking job boards.

• Going to your school’s career services center.