More and more businesses are prioritizing expedient service and shipment of their goods. While there is a complex system in place to make this a reality, an integral part of the process is servicing the heavy-duty freight trucks that carry shipments. Diesel technicians are critical to the modern economy, and learning the trade is a worthwhile pursuit. If you’re considering this as a career path and interested in enrolling, here is what you need to know.

The Basics of an Entry Level Diesel Technician Program

Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age and have either a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Alternatively, if they don’t have either, they must pass the school’s Basic Skills Test.

In terms of health, they should be able to pass a drug screening test; these will be conducted randomly to ensure that the driver is always operating the vehicle safely. As for criminal history, as long as there are no violent felonies on their record within the past seven years, they’re permitted to take the course. Previous experience is not required.

Program At-A-Glance

Diesel technician programs are generally four-week intensives designed so that students become thoroughly familiar with heavy duty semi-trailers. Instruction will be comprehensive and rigorous, as the classes usually run from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include shop safety, electrical work, auto body work, preventative maintenance, and industry standard inspections. Multiple instructors will be brought in to teach about their specific field.

Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a diesel technician can enroll at the Professional Driver Institute. Located in Churchville, NY, this fully licensed and accredited school has trained students from the Greater Rochester area for more than 25 years. Their entry-level intensive is four weeks long and runs every month. To learn more about their diesel technician program, visit their website to download a brochure or call (585) 293-1203.