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Job Description: An apprenticeship is a formal method of training in a skilled occupation or trade. For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS) website. OATELS is the Federal program that administers the National Registered Apprenticeship System (NRAS). It is a consolidation of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and the new responsibilities of the employer and labor liaison dedicated to building a workforce for the 21st century.
Apprentice diesel mechanics are paid trainees who are learning to repair, maintain, or replace parts on diesel power equipment. They are trained to locate trouble, repair or replace parts, and make necessary adjustments on equipment. Diesel mechanics work with many complex systems such as fuel injection systems, turbochargers, engine speed governors, and other parts not found on gasoline engines. They may also be called apprentice diesel engine specialists or apprentice diesel engine technicians.
Duties: Diesel mechanics may do some or all of the following typical tasks:
- Locate the cause or causes of trouble by inspecting and testing all parts
- Repair or replace parts and make necessary changes
- Examine and replace parts in a program of preventive maintenance to ensure safe operation of all equipment
- Use handheld computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions
- Rebuild engines
- Repair turbochargers
- Repair fuel injection systems
- Repair cylinder heads
- Repair starters
Working Conditions: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 25 percent of diesel mechanics work for vehicle dealers, leasing companies, or independent repair shops. Roughly 20 percent are employed by local and long-distance trucking companies and the remainder work for public transit companies and school systems that are required to maintain buses and trucks. They frequently wear company uniforms. Diesel mechanics usually work indoors, although they occasionally must make roadside repairs to vehicles that have encountered problems while traveling. When working indoors, they usually are in well-lighted garages that have proper ventilation. Mechanics lift heavy parts and tools. They frequently handle dirty, greasy parts of vehicles. They must sometimes stand or lie in awkward positions to repair vehicles and equipment.
Educational Requirements: Diesel mechanics should have a strong mechanical aptitude as well as good problem-solving skills. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online. After graduating from high school, it is recommended that a student attend a formal diesel mechanic training program. This training provides a foundation in the latest diesel technology and instruction in the service and repair of the vehicles and equipment that mechanics will encounter on the job. Courses normally last 48 weeks or 1500 clock hours. Courses include heavy duty drivetrains, brake systems, diesel engine principles, hydraulic system repair, diesel fuel system, computer diagnosis and troubleshooting, engine component testing, and electrical testing.
Outlook: The estimated number of bus/truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Tennessee is 5,580. It is projected there will be an 18 percent growth rate in this occupation through the year 2012 with 240 job openings annually. Job opportunities are expected to remain plentiful due primarily to extensive replacement needs as well as increased freight transportation by truck. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.
| 10% | 25% | Median- 50% | 75% | 90% | |
| TN Annual | $22,290 | $27,170 | $34,610 | $41,720 | $46,660 |
| US Annual | $24,370 | $30,110 | $37,660 | $45,900 | $55,120 |
*Some salaries are listed at an hourly rate. Those that include a single dollar amount are considered hourly wage.
Wage and salary data provided by:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
- TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
- Bureau of Economic Analysis website
For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org
Last updated on: January 23, 2008