FAQs About Diesel Mechanic Schools in Pennsylvania
Diesel mechanic schools train the industry’s next great diesel technicians. Here in Pennsylvania, as well as in many other states across the country, there are plenty of opportunities for working in automotive and diesel technology around.
To help you learn more about this exciting career avenue and answer some of your frequently asked questions about attending diesel mechanic school in Pennsylvania, the Automotive Training Center put together the following post.
What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?
Engaged under the hood of big rigs, bulldozers, and buses, diesel mechanics are responsible for repairing and maintaining the larger than life equipment that runs the construction, agricultural, transportation, and marine industries.
Is Being a Diesel Mechanic a Good Career?
For those with an interest in engines and repair, becoming a diesel mechanic is a rewarding career that’s on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job demand for diesel service technicians and mechanics is growing at an accelerated rate of 12%. To compare, the average growth rate for all professions is 7%.
What’s the Difference Between Diesel and Automotive Training?
Students who study diesel mechanic training and automotive mechanic training focus on many of the same subjects. However, those who enroll in a diesel mechanic program are focused on the specific systems, with an emphasis on diesel engine mechanics. Automotive training students will have some skill developed in this area but wouldn’t be considered specialists.
How Long is Diesel Mechanic School?
So long as you have a high school diploma or GED, becoming a diesel technician follows many other entry-level roles in the automotive field. Employers look for the completion of a 2-year post-secondary training school in order to be considered.
What Should I Look for in Top PA Diesel Mechanic Schools?
To ensure you get the best training, you’ll want to track down an automotive career training school in your area with the following:
- Hands-On Training: Learning about diesel systems requires working on diesel equipment, up close and personal.
- Latest Equipment: By working with today’s most popular names in the business, like Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel (MTU), you’ll make a confident transition to practicing as a diesel technician.
- Certified Instructors: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) governs the realm of professional education in automotive. Learning from ASE-certified instructors means you’re learning from seasoned professionals who have dedicated their lives to becoming expert-level technicians and inspiring others like you who are passionate about automotive.
What Courses Will I Take at a Diesel Mechanic School?
As a diesel mechanic, you will be tasked with repairing engines and maintaining their powerful performance. Our instructors will provide you with the knowledge needed to succeed in the Diesel Engines course. This course focuses on automotive and truck applications, as you’ll learn about fuels and lubricants, along with assembly, reassembly, and overhaul of diesel engines.
Practical shop work focuses on the diesel engines you will encounter in the real world, whether light truck or automotive.
Diesel fuel system coursework will focus on:
- Diesel air intake systems
- Injectors
- Turbochargers
You will be introduced to electronic engine controls like:
- EUI
- HEUI
- Electronic common rail
The Diesel Fuel Systems course involves disassembly and inspection of injector nozzles and the reassembly process. You will practice using fuel injector calibration equipment, testing and readjusting nozzles after reassembly, with hands-on experience using other equipment.
The above mentioned courses are specific to the Diesel program at ATC. However, you will also take the following courses in the Diesel program:
- Manual Drive Train & Axles
- Brakes
- Engine Repair
- Suspension and Steering
- Computer Controls and Electronic Diagnostics
The Manual Drive Train & Axles course will focus on manual transmissions and how they work, transaxles, clutches, U-joints, and other parts. We teach you basic shop safety, along with repair service.
The Brakes course tackles:
- Hydraulic systems
- Power brake boosters
- Parking brake systems
The Engine Repair course is important, too. The modern internal combustion engine is one of the top inventions of the last few centuries for good reason. The Engine Repair course will cover engines and how they operate, which will prepare you for more specific training in the diesel world.
Tour a Diesel Mechanic School in PA
If you’re interested in learning more about attending diesel technician school in southeast Pennsylvania, the Automotive Training Center may be a great fit for you. Our ASE-certified instructors, NATEF-based curriculum, and shops equipped with modern tools, test equipment, and vehicles enable you to apply what you’ve learned firsthand while simulating today’s diesel shop environment.
See what it’s like to attend the Automotive Training Center with our Day in the Life video, and schedule a tour at our Exton or Warminster campus to take the next step toward your career in diesel. Big engines and big opportunities await!
