Heavy Vehicle Mechanic: A New Career Path for Me?

There’s much more to being a mechanic than working on cars or motorcycles. In fact, heavy vehicles with diesel engines require mechanics who specialize in them. That’s because diesel engine technology is quite different from gasoline engine technology. This means that businesses that rely on heavy vehicles need mechanics who specialize in diesel engine technology.

In other words, becoming a heavy vehicle mechanic could potentially open a wide variety of career opportunities for you. Here are some things you should know about becoming a heavy vehicle mechanic.

What is heavy vehicle/diesel technology?

Heavy vehicle and diesel technology is the science behind vehicles that use diesel fuel instead of gasoline. Diesel engines require a different combustion process than gasoline engines, and require diesel fuel. While some commercial automobiles feature diesel engines, they are most commonly used in large commercial and industrial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and construction vehicles. Diesel is also widely used in military vehicles.

What skills do I need to succeed as a heavy vehicle mechanic?

The same skills that serve any mechanic will continue to serve you well as a heavy vehicle mechanic; attention to detail, problem solving, and patience could help you out no matter what sort of vehicle you are working on.

Being a heavy vehicle mechanic can also bring with it the added responsibility of repairing and maintaining vehicles that are used to transport a lot of people, or that will be used for work in potentially hazardous environments, where workers will be counting on their vehicles working as expected. Being able to handle that sort of responsibility is crucial to being a heavy vehicle mechanic.

What sort of education do I need to become a heavy vehicle mechanic?

A high school diploma is generally the highest level of education needed to become a mechanic; the bigger question is how deeply you understand how to repair and maintain heavy vehicles. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a heavy vehicle mechanic, it could help to pursue some sort of formal education.

How can a formal degree help me become a heavy vehicle mechanic?

Heavy vehicle and diesel technology is uniquely complex and specific, and mechanics working on heavy vehicles often have very little room for error. Knowing as much as you can before you begin your job search can only benefit you.

A good formal program should give you a lot of hands-on training in heavy vehicle and diesel technology, while also preparing you for other aspects of the job you might not have considered, such as accounting, psychology, and health and safety. A formal education can fill in gaps in your knowledge that you might not realize you have, and have you ready to work as soon as you graduate.

There is a constant need and demand for heavy vehicle and diesel technicians and mechanics. That’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the number of heavy vehicle mechanic jobs is only going to keep increasing, by as much as 9 percent through 2026. If you are interested in becoming a heavy vehicle mechanic, now is a good a time as ever to pursue this exciting and much needed profession.

Are you ready to begin your heavy vehicle journey?

If you’re thinking about getting a formal education in heavy vehicle and diesel technology, an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Heavy Vehicle Technology with Service Management from ATI might be the right choice for you. At ATI you should get an education that will prepare you for every aspect of a career as a heavy vehicle mechanic, giving you the confidence and education you will need. If you are interested in learning more about Advanced Technology Institute’s Heavy Vehicle Technology degree program, be sure to contact us today!