For those individuals seeking a well-compensated and secure career there are few better choices than becoming a diesel mechanic or repair technician.
In fact, due to the wide range of diesel engines types that are used by Rhode Island businesses, organizations and individuals this field has excellent professional and personal advancement options.
When combined with the relatively low cost of obtaining a high quality formal education in the field of diesel engine repair, becoming a diesel engine technician is an excellent choice for newly graduated and currently employed individuals alike.
The Importance of Diesel Engine Repair
America’s economy is dependent on the diesel engine. In fact, diesel engines, whether they power commercial trucks, locomotives or cargo ships move nearly all of the goods that are transported across the nation.
Every item in a store or home was carried by a diesel-powered vehicle at some point. In addition, many automobiles are powered by diesel engines. For this reason, having access to skilled diesel engine mechanics is vital to the economic health of America and the well being of those individuals who own diesel powered vehicles.
Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there are over 250,000 diesel engine repair technicians currently employed in the United States.
This number is expected to grow by at least nine percent between 2012 and 2022. In addition, retirements and other sources of job attrition will further increase the demand for qualified diesel engine repair technicians.
Diesel Engine Mechanic Compensation Levels
The national annual median wage for qualified diesel mechanics is currently over $42,000 according to the BLS. However, Rhode Island mechanics enjoy an annual median wage of over $46,000. In addition, diesel mechanics often have a wide range of job related benefits. These benefits include robust health care plans, paid vacation and retirement benefits.
For this reason, the level of compensation diesel mechanics enjoy is extremely competitive with other careers that involve a similar degree of educational investment.
Due to the importance of having experienced diesel mechanics, most employment options available to skilled mechanics are very dependable. This helps to ensure that diesel mechanics are less likely to face unexpected periods of unemployment.
Becoming a Diesel Mechanic in Rhode Island
Currently, diesel mechanics working in Rhode Island are not required to be licensed by the state. However, a growing number of employers prefer to hire individuals who have completed a formal training program in the field of diesel engine repair.
This is especially important due to the growing complexity of modern diesel engines and their associated subsystems.
Diesel mechanic programs are generally offered by community colleges, vocational schools and some adult education centers. Both public and private institutions offer training programs and there are a variety of payment and student loan options available to their students. This enables students to defray or even eliminate the need to work while they are complete the diesel mechanic training program.
Most diesel mechanic training programs take between six months and two years to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and the nature of the program. These diesel mechanic programs cover the basic technology underlying diesel engines as well as modern repair and diagnostic techniques. Schools regularly update their programs in order to ensure that the students receive current information.
Diesel Engines and Computer Diagnostic and Repair Systems
One important aspect of modern diesel repair training programs is a focus on computer aided diagnostic and repair systems.
Modern diesel engines include electronic fuel injection and emission control systems. For this reason, a diesel mechanic must be familiar with computer diagnostic and repair systems. In fact, many diesel repair and maintenance techniques involve adjustments to the engine’s computer, rather than physically repairing the engine.
Students who are not computer literate may be required to take addition courses in order to ensure that they are prepared to work with these complex systems. Those students who feel that they may need assistance in this area should discuss their situation with the program administrators.
Distance Learning and Online Programs
A growing number of schools currently offer distance learning and online programs. These programs enable the student to complete his or her coursework from home via the Internet.
The student can complete the program at his or her own pace without being forced to endure the expense and inconvenience of traveling to the school in order to attend classes.
In fact, many individuals who are currently working or who have family obligations find online programs to be a vital part of their education.
Online programs offer a student experience that is equal to traditional programs. Class lectures are recorded and can be viewed at any time. In addition, most instructors can be reached via email or online chat, allowing the student to quickly contact them in order to ask questions. Some schools even allow online students to directly interact with the instructor during a lecture via voice chat applications.
However, some classes may require the student to be physically present for one or more class sessions. For example, lab or garage sessions usually have a hands on component that cannot be completed online. For this reason, online and distance-learning students should discuss their schedule with the school’s administration in order to determine when and if they must be physically present.
Internships
Finally, some schools offer internship programs for qualified students. These programs allow the student to work for a private or public agency while receiving training from currently employed mechanics. In addition to benefiting from their practical experience, most internship positions are paid positions.
This can help defray the student’s educational costs and can be especially beneficial for those students who are attending the program on a full-time basis. Finally, many businesses will hire satisfactory interns immediately after their completion of the training program, which will eliminate the need to search for a job after graduation.
Becoming a diesel engine mechanic can be an excellent choice in today’s competitive economy. Individuals seeking a field with excellent pay, benefits and high levels of job satisfaction should seriously consider entering a Rhode Island diesel mechanic training program.
Diesel and Auto Tech Programs In Rhode Island
New England Institute of Technology
New England Institute of Technology – Located in East Greenwich, RI
New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit, co-educational technical college offering over 30 Associate in Science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs. As a leader in Technical Career Education in southern New England, New England Tech is committed to providing hands-on technological programs that prepare graduates for positions of leadership in the technical, industrial, business, and allied health communities. Most of our associate degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, and bachelor’s degree programs in as little as three years. Every year over 2,000 students choose New England Tech for the hands-on laboratory and classroom training that provides the necessary skills to begin their technical careers.
Key Facts:
- Hands-on Training
- Day or Evening Classes
- Financial Aid available for those who qualify / Ask about our Military and Veterans benefits
- Career Planning Assistance
- Housing Assistance
Financial Aid (for those who qualify):
- Non-repayable grants
- Work-study programs
- Student Loans
- Our own tuition payment plan
- Military and Veterans Benefits
Campus
- East Greenwich
Programs
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Service Management
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Marine Technology
- Automotive High Performance
Universal Technical Institute
Since 1965, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has prepared students for successful careers in the Automotive, Diesel, Motorcycle, Marine and Collision Repair industries. With campuses located across the U.S., UTI offers specialized technical education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including:
- Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
- NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech)
- Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)
- Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI)
Campus
- Boston
Programs
- Automotive
- Diesel
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