Diesel Tech Schools In Texas
The state of Texas has around 26 schools that offer diesel mechanic programs. If you want to be a diesel mechanic in Texas, the first thing to do is research on the field. Diesel service technicians and mechanics are trained to inspect and repair engines that are operating on diesel e.g. trucks, and buses, etc. Diesel mechanics are usually found working in repair shops and are occasionally called on to repair vehicles on the roadside. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the highest level of employment for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. The mean wage in this occupational group was $48,450 per year and $23.29 per hour.
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How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Texas?
Currently, Texas does not require diesel service technicians to get certified. This makes entering the professional space a lot easier and opens up different ways to do so. The most common methods to get into this field are entering a formal diesel mechanic program, getting an apprenticeship, or learning the work through on the job training.
If you want to opt for a formal diesel mechanic training program, there are several vocational schools and community colleges that offer these programs. Your program will last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether it is a certificate or an associate’s degree. During these programs, you will learn about the operation of diesel engines, the relationship between ancillary systems and diesel systems, modern fuel injections, and electronic starter equipment. You may also be able to choose an area of specialization, for example, boat engines or small engines.
Eligibility Requirements
There are no high barriers to entry for diesel mechanics in Texas. In most cases, you are not required to have a high school diploma or a GED. In fact, you are permitted to pursue your high school education while training to be a diesel mechanic. One way in which this is beneficial to workers in this occupation is that they can gear their high school education towards their degree program and take classes on shop mathematics and automotive repair etc. They may also be required to give the Texas Success Initiative Assessment, which is the traditional assessment test.
Program Cost
There are several community colleges present in Texas that will offer you a relatively inexpensive education in diesel mechanics. If you do not have the money for an expensive education, it would also benefit you to start researching scholarships and grants. Also keep in mind that the shorter the education, the less expensive it will be, in most cases. A certification program will cost you $1,000 to $5,000 and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is likely to cost $10,000 to $30,000.
Course List
A basic diesel mechanics course will likely require you to study the following topics:
- Gasoline and Diesel Engines Service and Repair
- Diesel Truck Manual and Transmission
- Diesel Hydraulics Systems
- Diesel Truck Preventive Maintenance