With the ever-increasing demand for shipping fleets to transport supplies across the country and over water, more companies are turning to diesel-powered vehicles to help save on fuel and repair costs.
With Wyoming being one of the top commerce states in America, many companies are looking to diesel mechanics to repair and maintain their shipping fleets.
Individuals who are searching for career stability and advancement opportunities should contemplate earning a degree in diesel technology.
Educational Prerequisites
Colleges throughout Wyoming require students to fulfill certain educational prerequisites before they are eligible for enrollment. Individuals who wish to enroll in a diesel technology program need to have already earned their GED or high school diploma. Some community colleges and technical institutes hold stricter guidelines for potential students, requiring them to have passed certain courses in high school, including English, math, and science.
Educational Requirements
Because diesel mechanics need to repair and maintain diesel engines in transportation buses, large trucks, and shipping vehicles, individuals need to enter into an accredited diesel technology program to gain the training they need to be successful in this industry.
A few companies in Wyoming may hire those who have several years of experience under their belt, but most require a diploma to prove the mechanic is knowledgeable in diesel repair techniques.
When searching for a diesel mechanic school in Wyoming, individuals need to make sure the program is accredited through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), which prepares students for obtaining the proper certifications upon graduation. Unless the company offers a special certification program to jump-start the diesel mechanic’s career, individuals can choose between earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in diesel technology.
Associate of Science in Diesel Technology
An Associate of Science in Diesel Technology will help students learn the necessary techniques and skills for troubleshooting and repairing diesel-powered vehicles. Offered at vocational, community, and technical colleges, an associate’s degree can take up to two years to complete, depending on the student’s workload. Certified instructors teach students how to:
- Diagnose mechanical issues
- Develop repair plans
- Service diesel engines
Most of the educational training takes place in a garage or lab environment, with the diesel technology program covering the following topics:
- Electrical systems
- Power trains
- Air conditioning systems
- Hydraulics
- Fuel systems
- Heavy duty brakes
Bachelor of Science in Diesel Technology
Being a more uncommon degree, a Bachelor of Science in Diesel Technology provides aspiring diesel mechanics with a core understanding of repair methodologies and techniques. Taking upwards of five years to complete, a bachelor’s degree ensures the students have a general proficiency in natural sciences, mathematics, and humanities.
This program prepares individuals for management roles in the mechanic industry, increasing their chances of ascertaining a higher paid position at a company in Wyoming. A bachelor’s degree combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction for a well-rounded education.
Coursework may include:
- Diesel fuel systems
- Diesel shop management
- Diesel electrical systems
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Heavy duty automatics
- Diesel engines lab
Certification in Wyoming
Even though Wyoming does not require diesel mechanics to earn a specific license to work legally, most companies give preference to those who have ascertained a certificate in this field, which proves they are proficient in a particular sector of the industry.
Individuals can earn a number of different certificates and even become a Master Diesel Mechanic by taking the corresponding exams through the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), with the tests covering topics like preventative maintenance, electrical systems, and brakes.
With more than 40 tests available to diesel mechanics, the ASE offers a specialization in:
- Cars and light trucks
- Medium-heavy trucks
- School and transit buses
- Collision repair
- Truck equipment
- Auto and truck parts
Individuals will need to renew their license through the ASE every five years by retaking the exam. Depending on the certification earned, diesel mechanics can choose to enter a specific sector of the mechanic industry.
From avionics and marine ships to railways and shipping fleets, individuals will need to pass certain examinations through the governing organization, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
When entering these fields of expertise, diesel mechanics should be prepared to enter into an apprenticeship program before being eligible for entry-level positions.
Career Outlook
With commerce booming across the state of Wyoming, diesel mechanics can find job stability and many career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 1,540 diesel mechanics work in Wyoming, with the employment outlook for this industry increasing by 21,600 jobs across the nation by 2022.
Being the third highest paying state in America for diesel mechanics, Wyoming boasts an average yearly salary of $54,710 for diesel mechanics, with the lowest 10 percent in this state making $34,980 and the highest 10 percent earning $80,650.
Pay scale often depends on one’s prior experience, educational training, and company location.
Because various diesel mechanic opportunities are available in Wyoming, individuals who have earned their degree or certification in diesel technology can choose between the following career options:
- Diesel technician
- Diesel truck mechanic
- Diesel mechanic
- Heavy-duty diesel truck technician
- Locomotive diesel mechanic
- Aircraft diesel mechanic
- Marine diesel mechanic
Whether the job opening is for an avionics facility or on a shipping marine, diesel mechanics who have earned the proper certifications and degree will have top priority in the list of potential candidates. For those who are contemplating entering into Wyoming’s mechanic industry, earning a degree in diesel technology will provide many job opportunities at shipping and mechanic companies across the state.