Transportation & Distribution
Diesel Service Technology
Program Summary
Diesel service technicians include bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists who repair and maintain the diesel engines that power transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses, power generators and locomotives. Some diesel technicians and mechanics also work on heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, and combines. Other technicians repair diesel-powered passenger automobiles, light trucks, or boats.
Technicians who work for organizations that maintain their own vehicles spend most of their time doing preventive maintenance that ensures that equipment will operate safely. These workers also check for unnecessary wear and damage to parts that could later result in costly breakdowns. During a routine maintenance check on a vehicle, technicians follow a checklist that includes inspecting brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts. Following inspection, technicians repair or adjust parts that do not work properly or remove and replace parts that cannot be fixed.
Technicians must be versatile in order to adapt to customers’ needs and new technologies. It is common for technicians to handle all kinds of repairs, from working on a vehicle’s electrical system one day to doing major engine repairs the next. Diesel maintenance is becoming increasingly complex, as more electronic components are used to control the operation of an engine. For example, microprocessors now regulate and manage fuel timing, increasing the engine’s efficiency.
Although many persons qualify for diesel service technician and mechanic jobs through years of on-the-job training, authorities on diesel engines recommend the completion of a formal diesel engine training. Because of continual advances in automotive technology, technicians must regularly learn new techniques to repair vehicles.
Continuing education and manufacturers/vendor training is essential , in which workers learn the latest technology and repair techniques. Technicians constantly receive updated technical manuals and instructions outlining changes in techniques and standards for repair. It is essential for technicians to read, interpret, and comprehend service manuals in order to keep abreast of engineering changes. Voluntary certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the recognized industry credential for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Employment Trends
- Careers as diesel service technicians offer relatively high wages and the challenge of skilled repair work. Opportunities should be very good for persons who complete formal training in diesel mechanics.
- Due to the increased cost and problems inherent to gasoline engines as compared to the greater durability and economy of the diesel engines, the number of buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles that are powered by diesel engines is expected to increase.
- As the government continues to set increasingly stringent emissions control standards, many older diesel engines must be retrofitted to comply. Consequently, the need for emissions control systems, such as emissions filters and catalysts, may create additional jobs for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
Program Curriculum
To be determined.
Please check the
Schedule of Courses for courses currently offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a labor union that represents diesel service technicians?
Many diesel service technicians and mechanics are members of labor unions, including the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the Amalgamated Transit Union; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the Transport Workers Union of America; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
- Where can I learn more about a career as a diesel service technician?
For general information about a career as a diesel service technician or mechanic, write:
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), 101 Blue Seal Dr. SE, Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. Internet: http://www.asecert.org/
- Association of Diesel Specialists, 10 Laboratory Dr., PO Box 13966, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Internet: http://www.diesel.org/
- Who can I contact for additional information?
Mr. Tony Marra
PGCC Program Director, Institute for Transportation & Distribution
410-772-4180, tmarra@pgcc.edu