There has always been a need for transporting goods from one location to another. With that, technicians who work on the equipment that transports those goods will always be in demand. Diesel technicians help keep America moving. If you are interested in playing a pivotal role as a diesel technician, follow these steps to pursue your dreams.
Explore your interests.
It is important to understand what skills and interests align best with the career you are interested in pursuing. At RDO Truck Centers, we have found that some of our most successful diesel technicians come to work every day with a willingness to learn and tackle new challenges. For example, a technician could work on a brand-new Mack Anthem straight off the factory line one day and a 40-year-old Mack RS model the next. Each truck that comes into the shop has its own unique repair needs. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are also important when it comes to successfully completing each repair order with efficiency.
Connect with local dealerships.
Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in becoming a diesel technician, contact a dealership and set up a job shadow. Spending time at a dealership job shadowing is a great opportunity to get one-on-one time with a diesel technician and see if this career path is a great fit for your skills and interests. Many dealerships offer high school internship positions. RDO Truck Centers offers a High School Internship that allows you to explore all areas of the dealership through the sales, service and parts departments.
Tour local technical schools.
There are many great Diesel Technology degree programs throughout the country. Most diesel technology degrees are part of a two-year program that combine hands-on learning with classroom time. Once you find a diesel technology program that fits your needs, enroll in that program and begin your journey as a student.
Apply for internships.
Many dealerships offer internships for students who are pursuing diesel technology degrees. RDO Truck Centers partners with technical schools to provide an Access Your Future Internship program that offers financial and educational support to students. This competitive internship program provides you the opportunity to work alongside industry veterans and learn from some of the most experienced diesel technicians in the industry. These paid learning opportunities allow you to apply what you are learning in the classroom to real life scenarios. RDO Truck Center’s AYF internship program provides you the opportunity to earn an additional $32,000 over four years through a tool incentive program, a graduation sign-on bonus, and a four-year financial incentive.
Launch your full-time career.
After you have completed your diesel technology degree, it is now time to launch your full-time career. As a diesel technician, your learning never stops. RDO Truck Centers offers ongoing training through our manufacturer partners, like Mack and Volvo. This is a combination of onsite and offsite learning opportunities that will help you excel in your career and your earning potential. As a full-time employee, you will now have access to benefits. RDO Truck Centers offers a competitive benefits package that includes a 401k match, Health, Dental Vision, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave, and many other benefits as well.
A career as a diesel technician is a rewarding one. Taking these steps will set you up for success in your career. If you are interested in learning more about how to become a diesel technician, please reach out to Jake Blessum, Recruitment Program Manager, at jblessum@rdotc.com.
