I started by vacuuming pressure washing and cleaning windows. then I replaced batteries and took off wheels. later i started helping with things like brakes. after that I did servicing like spark plugs fluids belts. Now I do medium jobs like radiators alternators cv axles and wheel bearings. Its really all about mastering one thing and moving on to the next thing slowly
First job I got out of the marines at an international dealer, Service manager: you have any tools? Me: a few Service manager: are they in 5 gallon buckets? Me: no, small craftsman box that locks Service manager: can you fix anything? Me: I try Service manager: bring your tools tomorrow, start Monday, we’ll see how hard you “try” Me: 20 years later, no formal training, master tech, still trying
That's pretty much how I started at a used truck center but it was the largest used truck center on the east coast not only trucks but a lot have heavey construction equipment I have never had a job I like more than turning wrenches.
Thanks, Stephen. Community college is a great way to go to learn enough of the basics, some welding, hydraulics, electrical, to get started. Wise decision! 8 months. Your local taxes already pay for it.
I went to a local semi-truck shop on a Tuesday, came back on Thursday to talk to them. Later in the day on Thursday I came back to have a couple of Trial days. Buy Friday evening I had a job at $9hr - 30-35 hours a week. When I was 16
I started by doing brake jobs in the street when I was 15. I ended 30 years later in a transmission shop doing well. This is how it really works. Just like he says.
I’m retiring in a few years from the government with a full pension, but I’ve realized later in life that all I want to do is work on engines. That’s all I think about and what I do in my spare time. I’m planning on taking diesel courses at the local community college and I’d really like to learn how to work on generators. I’d also like to learn to work on marine diesels and start my own small business.
You can do it. Worked on diesel gensets for 4 yrs in the Marines. Got out, went to school and did the office world for 5 years with my degree. Hated every second of it. Now I’m back to working on Diesel engines and gensets and make considerably more than I did w my degree. I believe in you!
walking into these shops really work, I walked into one of the biggest outfits in my area for heavy equipment repair on Monday and started Wednesday, be confident.
You’re damn right sir! I dropped out of engineering college, and started my own business. Best decision ever! College degree is only for validation. When go apply for a job, they give zero sh!t about it. They care about experiences, even entry level.
I find that the pay often depends on two things: what YOU put in to the job, and the respect you earn for yourself by being dependable and industrious. If you fulfill this, you will find that "the sky is the limit"! Thanks for the great video
Went to a community college for vocational degree in auto tech (diesel tech was full, and would have had to wait 18 months for next start date). Went to work at a dealership a couple months into the program as Express tech. Realized really quick I never needed to go to school. Finished school, got over a year experience. None of the new guys coming in have ever gone to school. Could have saved myself a lot of time and money not going to school and just going for the job
You should start your own business and start paying people. You will find out very quickly that higher pay doesn't equal higher quality work at the end of the day. If you are seeing $20 per hour then your employer is paying another $12-$15 per hour on top of your check to the government and insurance company. If you are getting benefits thru the union he may be paying another $12-$15 to the union also. It cost a lot of money to have employees and the more you pay the higher all of the other cost are because they go by percentages of hourly pay. I would really just like to pay some of my good guys $68.62 per hour and not pay the union, insurance company and taxman but it dont work that way. If you really want more money from your employer then I would suggest to work as a sub contractor. Then you can decide if you want to pay the union, taxman or the insurance company. The union is your choice. If you want the benefits then you will have to pay them. The tax man can be tricky. You can write off lot of things you normally cant as an employee but will still owe them something. The insurance company allows a basic policy in which you can exclude yourself from and pay very little but if you get hurt on the job then you are stuck paying your own doctors bills. I would imagine your employer would pay you more as a sub than an employee because now he is not responsible for the labor burden.
@@occif2023 I make my company $1000/day, minimum, and I can do that in 8 hours or less a lot of days. I make $20 but I am worth more than that because I have skills the other techs don't who make more than me. I use those skills on the job. The problem is the companies don't pay the people who are worth their own weight. And don't assume, I have been in business for myself where I paid more than most would dream. I know high pay doesn't equal results. People who are knowledgeable and skilled should be making more than $20/hr. That's hardly a sustainable wage. You want to keep paying your guys $8/hr that's fine. Good luck.
A lot of truth in this. I started out as a car detailer at a body shop. Worked my way up and now I've been doing body work for 5 years and making pretty decent money. You have to really want it, and work for it. It's not easy but if you really want it go for it.
I went to a local trade school for automotive technology , A's and B's , ASE's . I learned a lot at a dealership in 5 years and then onto fleet trucks and buses when I got fed up slaving with commission pay and began enjoying higher hourly wages .
I become a diesel mechanic in high school never went to college only certificate in zf Cummins cat Yamaha ect while working getting experience instead of school get way more experience then schooling
Disel tech here, 8 years of experience (so far) and a community college diesel tech degree, making 9 an hour (no benefits) this isn’t an easy trade but it sure is a great one. Great video brother 🙏
I've wanted to be a mechanic for years now but I have no experience and this video really helped with all the doubts I've had thus far. I might try to go to this community college cause its cheap but other than that I might just take your advice and go in and ask for a small job so thank you!
I didn't know much about being a tech, I started out diving head first into electrical on UA-cam. Then learning how to read codes and live data to aid troubleshooting. Then dive into how to test for component failures like injector cut out test compression test hydraulic pressures on manual gauges. Before you know the other techs will be asking you for advice. Just takes determination. Learn how to read a schematic and be able.to find that wire and test it. Same.with hydraulics find the pump and follow it to where your not.getting desired pressure. Do that and you'll be ahead of more than half of the techs in your shop. If you work hard if you got patience and some common sense you can fake it till you make it. If you know a job you got coming up the next day take the service manual home and study it.
30k for a 10 month certificate of completion (UTI and so on) vs. 2 year degree for 13k. Don't be impressed by some fancy commercials. Community college diesel programs are 1000% better than any UTI program. Or work your way up as he says. Do not do UTI or any of those flashy certificate programs.
If you go the route of learning on your own through work experience, as he says, you need to be willing to take the time to take in everything at work and take in as much as you can outside of work, ie, studying text books and learning things like electrical, hydraulics and drive trains.
I have a degree in electronics engineering and I'd make as much driving pizzas. I agree with him screw the school if you go make sure there's a guarantee for good jobs in your field. My school opened my mind so I am able to do more stuff now but I'm still not making money with it.
Yeah i did uti but didn't pay 30k and i highly suggest don't go that route!community college is the way to go.uti is rushed through and not good teaching
@@Sparaco487 community colleges dont have 10 semis or as much equipment as UTI or 1/10 the MSATS UTI has so its really up to you what you want to do im enrolled in UTI avondale and so far its been really great ive learned alot in the past 2 months
I’m not a tech but when I worked automotive I started out in wash bay and ended up parts manager. I drive truck now and every company is looking just as hard for techs and fleet PM mechanics as they are for drivers. I am sure most would be happy to put the time into training a motivated individual. This video is right, act like you want it and you’ll probably get it!
Australia doesn’t have trade schools like the US. We start an apprenticeship at a company and the company sends you to college ( we call tafe) every year for 6-8 weeks for the first 3 years . Takes 4 years to complete a diesel fitter apprenticeship and you get a certification certificate at the end of your time.
What your saying is the truth all the school in the world won't guarantee you a job. But if your willing to work and learn and show some effort your going to do well. When I was learning on the job I knew before I left work what my boss wanted me to work on the next day I would show up two hours before work started to read the tech manual for what ever trucks I was expected to work on and I studied step by step . By the end of my first week I had rebuilt five diesel engines installed them and at the end of my first week my boss gave me the keys to open the shop every morning since I was always the first one there last to leave.
Great video went to uti just graduated the diesel program it’s not to bad had no trouble finding a job all pay 20 to 23 an hour start it is expensive if you can get in to a shop with out going to school then do it i tried to go to shops and get a job no one would hire so off I went to school don’t regret it there is a lot of opportunities in this field and going to school opened a a lot of doors for jobs had at least 6 companies try to hire me within like 1 month of sending my Resume out all I got to say is just work hard and be motivated and eager to learn
I just saw your video. I wisah someone would hav told me this when i was younger. You are doing a really really fine job telling everyone how it really is. Is true, is no ones responsibility to get you a better job (life, situation) but your own, think and think hard but work even harder and you will get there. I just suscribed.
For most jobs and industries you can learn a lot on your own with books, internet, friends, and hobbies. If you want to be a diesel mechanic, find a cheap diesel truck that needs some work and rebuild it. Does your friend have a truck with engine problems, volunteer to help him fix it. If you have some drive, you can learn more in a shorter time hustling than paying big money to a school where you are forced to go at the pace of the slowest students.
The community college in my town (50,000 people) provides a program that entirely covers a technical school certification, which includes automotive/diesel, emergency response, computer programming, and a bunch of others, if you are on EBT or any type of public assistance. I think more cities should do stuff like this.
Problem is, since they pay students to go, the classes are full of misbehaving young adults with no interest in the class, and are only interested when their midterm check comes in. The teacher can't kick out the bad apples ruining it for others, as the institution gets a check for each student there. So the school is getting a check. The teacher is getting a check. And the students are getting a check. And nobody is teaching and nobody is learning. If you think I'm lying, ask any mechanic shop nearby if a federally funded community college certificate means diddly squat in regards to skills. Top graduating student behind me was asked to check oil right before she graduated. She pulled out the dipstick, unscrewed the oil fill cap, dipped the dipstick into the oil fill hole, and pulled out the dipstick and stared at it for awhile before admitting she had no idea what she was looking at or for. That was the top grant student. That's what happens when you give education away for free. It's not valued.
Been a diesel mechanic for 15 years one thing I’ll tell you I have seen guys that go to school they come out with all the paperwork and they don’t know a damn thing the best advice I can give is start by getting your tools and building experience wether it’s working on your girlfriends car and don’t just rush actually start by learning your way around the tools you buy but learn to push a broom and learn how to catch crap from other mechanics and use it to make yourself better
I’m the air national guard. They are training me to fix diesels and heavy machinery and paying me to learn. Also I’ll be certified when I’m done with training and I still have civilian job on top of that. Rather get paid then pay someone to learn a new skill.
Yooo I’m planning joining the air guard to be a vehicle mechanic. I’ve been doing a lot of my own research. I would like to hear from you. How’s are your doing good sir?
Steven, This is legitimately one of the best videos on UA-cam, And I really appreciate you putting it together. Right now I am not working in the service truck industry or working on machinery and such I do so in my own personal time but not as a job but this video has helped me to figure out what I want to do if I do want to at least try and get into that industry And I really appreciate you putting this video together. Thank you
Love the video. I did the UTI thing back in 08. Only did 6 weeks of school. Its all true, on $$ would of cost me 22k for 48 weeks. Only thing i got out of it was recongnizing my passion. Had a 4.0 GPA for the first time in my life! Just did what you said an got a job out here in Wyoming working on call an in ther shop. "You cant get to the top, without taking the first step from the bottom!" JY
You made some good points here, I like it. Affordable schools like mine are a great career path but there are other ways to make your dreams come true.
I'm 15 and have 100 percent decided I want to become a diesel tech and I am taking diesel classes at a local tech school through my highschool and plan on going to wyotech for more education and certifications
Bro I used to power wash 18 wheelers for 10 bucks an hour for 3 years making small steps in the shop here and there. Here today at the same company I work in the shop full time and I've been workin on those very same 18 wheelers doing the stuff I had dreamed of I wanna stick around here a while and learn as much as possible and move along. Hopefully things go as planned I have all my tools almost just lacking in few things here and there but I have enough to start forsure. Man I related to this hard man this was my technic I used to the T. My boss saw me repairing my personal vehicle and saw I had passion for mechanics outside of work and stuck me in the shop permanently this is my first year and I'm making 15 an hour 😂 this video described my job history. I have no college or previous training just a will to learn and a gung ho "I'll figure it out" mechanical mindset. I also live in Texas brotha haha I guess that's the Texan way to do it.
@@m.g.7900 Had you gone to school you would have started at 15 to 18 bucks and hr depending on where you live and by now making 21 per hour or over. My nephew is 5 years in and makes 29 and hr here in Ohio. You need to relocate.
I started at Ryder as a fuel island guy, within 2-4 months I was in the shop doing in-depth diagnostics with lead tech. This particular field is all about drive. If you have motivation and drive and you are not LAZY, you can’t make sick money I’m 6 years into this field and I’m a self employed Mobil tech and the money is ridiculous. You get out of it exactly what you put in. If anyones second guessing it DO IT you won’t regret becoming a semi tech or diesel tech.
Thanks for the advice on getting in on this type of career. Really appreciate it dude. Youd be surprised at the lack of advice out there nowadays. Not asking for a handout just a guide. I mean im sure every made man has had a guide at one point or another.
I’m going to be going to American Deisel Training Center at the end of the month. It’s a real good price as far as the start of it you don’t have any thing to pay. You will pay back the course obviously but it is all based on what you make after you go through school.
Ughhh. Yo I’m like. Low key nervous. I am in training as we speak. Trying to soak as much I info as I can. I hope people are supportive and motivated to teach this first timer .
would definitely second the community college route. two years only costs me about 17k for an automotive track and the education has definitely improved my knowledge in the field
Philadelphia community collage ... h& l auto...vine street auto....central city Toyota ,...community collages....are your best bet .....this man is on point!!!!!!!!!
I went to school, soaked up everything g I could and had life experience going in and during. Took a year off after graduating to study more and work other crap amd keep studying and my first job was a flat rate dealership tech vs guys changing oil, tires and alignments only. And hourly.
Very good video...I came across this while I was looking for more info on diesel engines. I drive a semi, but I want to learn more about what's under the hood. This is good advice for anyone going into any field!
So I have no trade school experience but I have military experience. These are some things I have learned and is very frustrating in this field and what no one else will tell you. Almost every single shop supervisor out there wants you to have 20 years of experience and basically are wanting you to come out of the womb doing this. I have been trying to find a diesel mechanic job but no one will hire me cause I dont have my own tools. Recently I have been thinking about going to my local tech school but I then realized that by the time I got all finished with my training I would be in so much debt between my tools and student loans. I don't qualify for my gi bill. I have been so pissed lately just thinking about it I have been thinking about getting into a whole new career field
When are you running for president? I’m both a welder and auto technician, school trained in both. I’ve done the big “as seen on tv mega school” and the local votech. I prefer the local votech because they are more closely aligned with the local community. The big mega schools talk a big game, name dropping huge companies with how much money they pay, blah blah blah. They bring people from said huge companies for the cattle call meetings and that’s great but you’re really just a number to them, school and huge company. The local votech on the other hand, your instructor probably knows the local businesses and points of contact to get your foot in the door. My local votech had school sponsored apprenticeships with these local businesses. These programs really helped with the transition from student to employee. Just my $.02 as a 25 year blue collar worker.
For anyone wanting to go to school in the Texas area specifically Houston, hcc has a good automotive and diesel programs for about 1k each semester or each block (there are 3 blocks I believe) and then if you want your associates you need to take 2 more classes and be in an automotive job for 1 year and that’s about 260 each.
Hey, I’m about to graduate high school, and I’m on the fence of either going to hcc for the diesel program or the tstc diesel program. Houston is closer to me, how was the program itself? I plan on getting a associates degree, how much was tuition? What about job offerings while your in the program?
@@TeamPxL I completed the automotive program and started the diesel program before finding out I didn’t have financial aid so I had to withdraw. But the time I was there it was really good and fun. Very hands on. Cheap tuition. I highly suggest it. Professors are cool as well
I started as an auto mobile dimanteletr and learned a lot about how cars are put together. Then I went to a school for 30 days to get D. O. T. Certified as a diesle service tech. I went to open of the largest used truck and used heavey equipment companies on the east coast and worked on every kind of truck or heavey equipment I told the boss I had experience on gas engines and auto and manual transmissions but I will work hard and learn. He had a very good set of tech manuals and all kinds of trucks and heavey equipment. I got more hands on experience there than I could ever get at any tech school.
@@french2french527 road masters drivers school in Orlando Florida. It was a school for semi truck drivers but for awhile they were doing a diesle service mechanics course I don't beleave they teach it there anymore.
@@french2french527 The best advice I can give you is to try and get a hold of a good tech manual like Chilton. When I first started fresh out of D.O.T. school I went to work at Deland used truck center knowing little but what I learned in school . I had exsperiance on cars gas engines and automatic and standerd transmissions but not much hands on exsperiance on diesel engines but my boss had hundreds of tech manuals and all kinds of semi trucks that needed anything from engine rebuilds to clutches and transmissions . That's were I learned most of what I know about semi trucks and diesel engines anything hydraulic or electronic I learned in high school and while serving seven years in the military. There's no way better to learn than hands on exsperiance and I got a lot of that in total 40 years worth . I have done extensive work on heavey construction equipment bob cats all kinds of things. The best advice I can give you is to first have confidence in your self and your abilities don't let a big job over whelm you you can do anything you set your mind to doing.
@@french2french527 maybe we can talk on the phone sometime I could better explain how I learned most of what I know . I learned basics from school but more of what I know I learned on my own.
Agreed you don’t need tech school to get in this industry I started as a grease and oil change tech 13 years ago didn’t know the first thing about trucks started at 9.50 an hour today I am the shop Forman making well over 30.00 an hour every day you learn something new is a good day
Or try the service. That's what I did. Joined the Navy seebees as construction mechanic, stayed in 8years came out and work for city of phoenix, did 25 and iam done ✔
A Tech College that is supported by the state is a NON-PROFIT organization and will almost always be cheaper and get you a degree or diploma for under 10k. Most of the super quick and super expensive schools are FOR-PROFIT and will cost 30k and higher. A non-profit school will usually do a much better job of letting you go through at a slower pace if you have any learning issues. Retaking a class is usually easier and way cheaper if you get in a jam.
This is Something that I have wondered about for a while now. I don't know what you would say to a person that really loves working on machines of really any kindbut that is on the autistic spectrum And has mild cerebral palsy, As well as Undiagnosed ADHD. I still feel like I'm trying to figure out life and a job and everything but this is definitely an industry that I would love to get into.
I have muscular dystrophy and 43 years old , but I have mechanical aptitude ,logical thinker and determination. Strength is my biggest setback and blessing. Just wondering your thoughts with a disability. Thanks and appreciate any feedback. I appreciate your videos as well.
I won’t lie this video made me choose 91B as my job in the Army
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I started pushing a mop cleaning bays and the shop applied to be a general service technician changing tires and oil changes I use to ask a lot of questions from the other mechanic in the shop I would write up services when I did oil changes I would check the car all over looking for worn parts and bad brakes the other technician noticed that I actually took the time unlike the other gs technician they just did what the ticket said , they would give me money on pay day they didn’t mind showing me and teaching me how to become a technician because I help put money in their pockets I started out making $6.50 hour then $8 I know have over 24 years of automotive experience I make $30 an hour at a fleet shop no flat rate or commission pay
UA-cam is the best school on planet earth and learn to be a diesel mechanic a motorcycle mechanic I’ve learned how to redo my kitchen and my bathroom and put a roof on my house by watching UA-cam.
I did this literally this morning. I’m tired of indeed so I started door knocking. I’m guaranteed a position at kubota once they do my background and drug test.
Threw trash for 6 months at a trash company and the mechanics told the boss about my interest in mechanic work and how I kept asking questions. The boss just offered to pay for me to go to diesel school. I strongly believe that experience and knowledge is to be preferred over degrees and qualifications, but since work will pay, im going to do this. Having some difficulty finding a school close enough to commute from my family's farm though.
"It's no one's responsibility to get you a job. It's YOUR responsibility to get you a job." I love this guy!
Amen brother unfortunately theres way to many people out here who see it the other way around.
I started by vacuuming pressure washing and cleaning windows. then I replaced batteries and took off wheels. later i started helping with things like brakes. after that I did servicing like spark plugs fluids belts. Now I do medium jobs like radiators alternators cv axles and wheel bearings. Its really all about mastering one thing and moving on to the next thing slowly
It's really like any other trade you got to crawl before you walk and walk before you run TBH
Stay away from my vehicle
There's nothing as good as hands on experience
Amen
You must have knowledge, to know what to do .
First job I got out of the marines at an international dealer,
Service manager: you have any tools?
Me: a few
Service manager: are they in 5 gallon buckets?
Me: no, small craftsman box that locks
Service manager: can you fix anything?
Me: I try
Service manager: bring your tools tomorrow, start Monday, we’ll see how hard you “try”
Me: 20 years later, no formal training, master tech, still trying
yeah right
That's pretty much how I started at a used truck center but it was the largest used truck center on the east coast not only trucks but a lot have heavey construction equipment I have never had a job I like more than turning wrenches.
That's reality. Effort is key and showing up everyday gets it done
I'm trying to be a mechanic myself and this has the most and as far as I know the best advice I've seen
Hell yeah, he does
His statement about how 90% of the guys he has worked with are not very good techs and the other 10% are great is 100% accurate. It is astonishing.
Oh yeah, a lot of fake it tell you make techs out there
Alot of duck tape, zip ties and rubber bands in this field
There's a similar phenomenon among Software Engineers and other White Collar guys.
See Pareto Principle, exists in everything
Thanks, Stephen. Community college is a great way to go to learn enough of the basics, some welding, hydraulics, electrical, to get started. Wise decision! 8 months. Your local taxes already pay for it.
Are career centers worth it ?
That's how I did it.
I went to a local semi-truck shop on a Tuesday, came back on Thursday to talk to them. Later in the day on Thursday I came back to have a couple of Trial days. Buy Friday evening I had a job at $9hr - 30-35 hours a week. When I was 16
I learned how to use diagnostic tools by watching you tube videos, bought a entry level device, practiced on my own vehicles.
I started by doing brake jobs in the street when I was 15. I ended 30 years later in a transmission shop doing well. This is how it really works. Just like he says.
I’m retiring in a few years from the government with a full pension, but I’ve realized later in life that all I want to do is work on engines. That’s all I think about and what I do in my spare time. I’m planning on taking diesel courses at the local community college and I’d really like to learn how to work on generators. I’d also like to learn to work on marine diesels and start my own small business.
that’s the way to go brotha
You can do it. Worked on diesel gensets for 4 yrs in the Marines. Got out, went to school and did the office world for 5 years with my degree. Hated every second of it.
Now I’m back to working on Diesel engines and gensets and make considerably more than I did w my degree. I believe in you!
walking into these shops really work, I walked into one of the biggest outfits in my area for heavy equipment repair on Monday and started Wednesday, be confident.
You’re damn right sir!
I dropped out of engineering college, and started my own business. Best decision ever!
College degree is only for validation.
When go apply for a job, they give zero sh!t about it. They care about experiences, even entry level.
I find that the pay often depends on two things: what YOU put in to the job, and the respect you earn for yourself by being dependable and industrious. If you fulfill this, you will find that "the sky is the limit"! Thanks for the great video
Went to a community college for vocational degree in auto tech (diesel tech was full, and would have had to wait 18 months for next start date). Went to work at a dealership a couple months into the program as Express tech. Realized really quick I never needed to go to school. Finished school, got over a year experience. None of the new guys coming in have ever gone to school. Could have saved myself a lot of time and money not going to school and just going for the job
A shortage for techs because a lot of these companies don't pay enough. Just like other industries.
yup should pay 50 and hour your 4trades in 1
Facts they don't want to pay at all. This work is hard asf as far as what it does to the body
You should start your own business and start paying people. You will find out very quickly that higher pay doesn't equal higher quality work at the end of the day. If you are seeing $20 per hour then your employer is paying another $12-$15 per hour on top of your check to the government and insurance company. If you are getting benefits thru the union he may be paying another $12-$15 to the union also. It cost a lot of money to have employees and the more you pay the higher all of the other cost are because they go by percentages of hourly pay. I would really just like to pay some of my good guys $68.62 per hour and not pay the union, insurance company and taxman but it dont work that way. If you really want more money from your employer then I would suggest to work as a sub contractor. Then you can decide if you want to pay the union, taxman or the insurance company. The union is your choice. If you want the benefits then you will have to pay them. The tax man can be tricky. You can write off lot of things you normally cant as an employee but will still owe them something. The insurance company allows a basic policy in which you can exclude yourself from and pay very little but if you get hurt on the job then you are stuck paying your own doctors bills. I would imagine your employer would pay you more as a sub than an employee because now he is not responsible for the labor burden.
@@occif2023 I make my company $1000/day, minimum, and I can do that in 8 hours or less a lot of days. I make $20 but I am worth more than that because I have skills the other techs don't who make more than me. I use those skills on the job. The problem is the companies don't pay the people who are worth their own weight. And don't assume, I have been in business for myself where I paid more than most would dream. I know high pay doesn't equal results. People who are knowledgeable and skilled should be making more than $20/hr. That's hardly a sustainable wage. You want to keep paying your guys $8/hr that's fine. Good luck.
OK
This video was awesome. Even if you're not trying to get into diesel mechanics, it has info that'll you can apply to any employment situation. 🤘🏼
Good video man. I teach Diesel Tech at a community college and i agree 100%.
How much did your local community College charge you for diesel mechanic?
You must have knowledge, to know what to do
A lot of truth in this. I started out as a car detailer at a body shop. Worked my way up and now I've been doing body work for 5 years and making pretty decent money. You have to really want it, and work for it. It's not easy but if you really want it go for it.
I went to a local trade school for automotive technology , A's and B's , ASE's . I learned a lot at a dealership in 5 years and then onto fleet trucks and buses when I got fed up slaving with commission pay and began enjoying higher hourly wages .
I become a diesel mechanic in high school never went to college only certificate in zf Cummins cat Yamaha ect while working getting experience instead of school get way more experience then schooling
Disel tech here, 8 years of experience (so far) and a community college diesel tech degree, making 9 an hour (no benefits) this isn’t an easy trade but it sure is a great one. Great video brother 🙏
I've wanted to be a mechanic for years now but I have no experience and this video really helped with all the doubts I've had thus far. I might try to go to this community college cause its cheap but other than that I might just take your advice and go in and ask for a small job so thank you!
yes sir me too i hope you succeed
I didn't know much about being a tech, I started out diving head first into electrical on UA-cam. Then learning how to read codes and live data to aid troubleshooting. Then dive into how to test for component failures like injector cut out test compression test hydraulic pressures on manual gauges. Before you know the other techs will be asking you for advice. Just takes determination. Learn how to read a schematic and be able.to find that wire and test it. Same.with hydraulics find the pump and follow it to where your not.getting desired pressure. Do that and you'll be ahead of more than half of the techs in your shop. If you work hard if you got patience and some common sense you can fake it till you make it. If you know a job you got coming up the next day take the service manual home and study it.
30k for a 10 month certificate of completion (UTI and so on) vs. 2 year degree for 13k. Don't be impressed by some fancy commercials. Community college diesel programs are 1000% better than any UTI program. Or work your way up as he says. Do not do UTI or any of those flashy certificate programs.
If you go the route of learning on your own through work experience, as he says, you need to be willing to take the time to take in everything at work and take in as much as you can outside of work, ie, studying text books and learning things like electrical, hydraulics and drive trains.
I have a degree in electronics engineering and I'd make as much driving pizzas. I agree with him screw the school if you go make sure there's a guarantee for good jobs in your field. My school opened my mind so I am able to do more stuff now but I'm still not making money with it.
Ashroyer86 I know of an electronics engineer that helped designed missiles for the DOD
Yeah i did uti but didn't pay 30k and i highly suggest don't go that route!community college is the way to go.uti is rushed through and not good teaching
@@Sparaco487 community colleges dont have 10 semis or as much equipment as UTI or 1/10 the MSATS UTI has so its really up to you what you want to do im enrolled in UTI avondale and so far its been really great ive learned alot in the past 2 months
Really gave me some confidence starting my apprenticeship, thanks man!!!
I want to buy my own semi truck and want to be able to work on my own truck. This was helpful, thank you
I’m not a tech but when I worked automotive I started out in wash bay and ended up parts manager. I drive truck now and every company is looking just as hard for techs and fleet PM mechanics as they are for drivers. I am sure most would be happy to put the time into training a motivated individual. This video is right, act like you want it and you’ll probably get it!
I just landed a diesel apprenticeship at my dream shop. Super excited !
How's it going so far?
Australia doesn’t have trade schools like the US. We start an apprenticeship at a company and the company sends you to college ( we call tafe) every year for 6-8 weeks for the first 3 years . Takes 4 years to complete a diesel fitter apprenticeship and you get a certification certificate at the end of your time.
Every high schooler should watch this video!! Great job!
Honestly everybody who is interested. Never too late!
Right on 👍🤝
What your saying is the truth all the school in the world won't guarantee you a job. But if your willing to work and learn and show some effort your going to do well. When I was learning on the job I knew before I left work what my boss wanted me to work on the next day I would show up two hours before work started to read the tech manual for what ever trucks I was expected to work on and I studied step by step . By the end of my first week I had rebuilt five diesel engines installed them and at the end of my first week my boss gave me the keys to open the shop every morning since I was always the first one there last to leave.
Great video went to uti just graduated the diesel program it’s not to bad had no trouble finding a job all pay 20 to 23 an hour start it is expensive if you can get in to a shop with out going to school then do it i tried to go to shops and get a job no one would hire so off I went to school don’t regret it there is a lot of opportunities in this field and going to school opened a a lot of doors for jobs had at least 6 companies try to hire me within like 1 month of sending my Resume out all I got to say is just work hard and be motivated and eager to learn
What school did you go and where ?
I just saw your video. I wisah someone would hav told me this when i was younger. You are doing a really really fine job telling everyone how it really is. Is true, is no ones responsibility to get you a better job (life, situation) but your own, think and think hard but work even harder and you will get there.
I just suscribed.
For most jobs and industries you can learn a lot on your own with books, internet, friends, and hobbies. If you want to be a diesel mechanic, find a cheap diesel truck that needs some work and rebuild it. Does your friend have a truck with engine problems, volunteer to help him fix it.
If you have some drive, you can learn more in a shorter time hustling than paying big money to a school where you are forced to go at the pace of the slowest students.
The community college in my town (50,000 people) provides a program that entirely covers a technical school certification, which includes automotive/diesel, emergency response, computer programming, and a bunch of others, if you are on EBT or any type of public assistance. I think more cities should do stuff like this.
Problem is, since they pay students to go, the classes are full of misbehaving young adults with no interest in the class, and are only interested when their midterm check comes in.
The teacher can't kick out the bad apples ruining it for others, as the institution gets a check for each student there.
So the school is getting a check. The teacher is getting a check. And the students are getting a check. And nobody is teaching and nobody is learning.
If you think I'm lying, ask any mechanic shop nearby if a federally funded community college certificate means diddly squat in regards to skills.
Top graduating student behind me was asked to check oil right before she graduated. She pulled out the dipstick, unscrewed the oil fill cap, dipped the dipstick into the oil fill hole, and pulled out the dipstick and stared at it for awhile before admitting she had no idea what she was looking at or for. That was the top grant student.
That's what happens when you give education away for free. It's not valued.
Been a diesel mechanic for 15 years one thing I’ll tell you I have seen guys that go to school they come out with all the paperwork and they don’t know a damn thing the best advice I can give is start by getting your tools and building experience wether it’s working on your girlfriends car and don’t just rush actually start by learning your way around the tools you buy but learn to push a broom and learn how to catch crap from other mechanics and use it to make yourself better
I’m the air national guard. They are training me to fix diesels and heavy machinery and paying me to learn. Also I’ll be certified when I’m done with training and I still have civilian job on top of that. Rather get paid then pay someone to learn a new skill.
Hey man how’s that coming along? I’m planning on joining the guard as a mechanic and pursuing that career.
Yooo I’m planning joining the air guard to be a vehicle mechanic. I’ve been doing a lot of my own research. I would like to hear from you. How’s are your doing good sir?
Some Good Advice. I've made a lot of mistakes and made a lot of good judgement calls. This video covers a lot of those do's and dont's.
I start power diesel tech program at a community college and lasts 2 years, good info.
Steven, This is legitimately one of the best videos on UA-cam, And I really appreciate you putting it together. Right now I am not working in the service truck industry or working on machinery and such I do so in my own personal time but not as a job but this video has helped me to figure out what I want to do if I do want to at least try and get into that industry And I really appreciate you putting this video together. Thank you
Love the video. I did the UTI thing back in 08. Only did 6 weeks of school. Its all true, on $$ would of cost me 22k for 48 weeks. Only thing i got out of it was recongnizing my passion. Had a 4.0 GPA for the first time in my life! Just did what you said an got a job out here in Wyoming working on call an in ther shop. "You cant get to the top, without taking the first step from the bottom!" JY
You made some good points here, I like it. Affordable schools like mine are a great career path but there are other ways to make your dreams come true.
I'm 15 and have 100 percent decided I want to become a diesel tech and I am taking diesel classes at a local tech school through my highschool and plan on going to wyotech for more education and certifications
I’m just trying to Learn how to turn a wrench because I own a semi, and I want to save money lol
Absolutely the truth and best advice here on UA-cam 💯💯💯
Thanks Henry!
Bro I used to power wash 18 wheelers for 10 bucks an hour for 3 years making small steps in the shop here and there. Here today at the same company I work in the shop full time and I've been workin on those very same 18 wheelers doing the stuff I had dreamed of I wanna stick around here a while and learn as much as possible and move along. Hopefully things go as planned I have all my tools almost just lacking in few things here and there but I have enough to start forsure. Man I related to this hard man this was my technic I used to the T. My boss saw me repairing my personal vehicle and saw I had passion for mechanics outside of work and stuck me in the shop permanently this is my first year and I'm making 15 an hour 😂 this video described my job history. I have no college or previous training just a will to learn and a gung ho "I'll figure it out" mechanical mindset. I also live in Texas brotha haha I guess that's the Texan way to do it.
I've just completed a full year in the shop**
@@m.g.7900 Had you gone to school you would have started at 15 to 18 bucks and hr depending on where you live and by now making 21 per hour or over. My nephew is 5 years in and makes 29 and hr here in Ohio. You need to relocate.
@@kennethg5460 facts
I started at Ryder as a fuel island guy, within 2-4 months I was in the shop doing in-depth diagnostics with lead tech. This particular field is all about drive. If you have motivation and drive and you are not LAZY, you can’t make sick money I’m 6 years into this field and I’m a self employed Mobil tech and the money is ridiculous. You get out of it exactly what you put in. If anyones second guessing it DO IT you won’t regret becoming a semi tech or diesel tech.
Thanks for the advice on getting in on this type of career. Really appreciate it dude. Youd be surprised at the lack of advice out there nowadays. Not asking for a handout just a guide. I mean im sure every made man has had a guide at one point or another.
I’m going to be going to American Deisel Training Center at the end of the month. It’s a real good price as far as the start of it you don’t have any thing to pay. You will pay back the course obviously but it is all based on what you make after you go through school.
That part about getting a job is in general wow thank you
I got quoted by a UTI recruiter and told me it would be 38,450 dollars for 9 months 😂😂. That was its cheap route
Ughhh. Yo I’m like. Low key nervous. I am in training as we speak. Trying to soak as much I info as I can. I hope people are supportive and motivated to teach this first timer .
I've been in the industry for 4 years now, if there's any way I can help or any questions you have feel free to message me!!
@@ethankelley1887 is there anyway I can message you ? Twitter ? Perhaps . I actually do have a scenario that needs solving
@@ashleyplease7479 of course! message me on Instagram @epmofficial1
@@ashleyplease7479 how’s it going? I start diesel mechanic in august .
alot of companies pay up to half of your tuition or even all of it so give it 100%!
would definitely second the community college route. two years only costs me about 17k for an automotive track and the education has definitely improved my knowledge in the field
"Your annoying as hell" 😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😭 that had me crying laughing
I'm a diesel pump technician, started @ 18 years old and I'm in the trade for 19 years and still moving on.
Philadelphia community collage ... h& l auto...vine street auto....central city Toyota ,...community collages....are your best bet .....this man is on point!!!!!!!!!
I went to school, soaked up everything g I could and had life experience going in and during. Took a year off after graduating to study more and work other crap amd keep studying and my first job was a flat rate dealership tech vs guys changing oil, tires and alignments only. And hourly.
Very good video...I came across this while I was looking for more info on diesel engines. I drive a semi, but I want to learn more about what's under the hood. This is good advice for anyone going into any field!
Love from India
you inspired me brother❤️
Man you are such a champ for this video.
Omg you hit the nail on the head with what you say in this video
So I have no trade school experience but I have military experience. These are some things I have learned and is very frustrating in this field and what no one else will tell you. Almost every single shop supervisor out there wants you to have 20 years of experience and basically are wanting you to come out of the womb doing this. I have been trying to find a diesel mechanic job but no one will hire me cause I dont have my own tools. Recently I have been thinking about going to my local tech school but I then realized that by the time I got all finished with my training I would be in so much debt between my tools and student loans. I don't qualify for my gi bill. I have been so pissed lately just thinking about it I have been thinking about getting into a whole new career field
When are you running for president? I’m both a welder and auto technician, school trained in both. I’ve done the big “as seen on tv mega school” and the local votech. I prefer the local votech because they are more closely aligned with the local community. The big mega schools talk a big game, name dropping huge companies with how much money they pay, blah blah blah. They bring people from said huge companies for the cattle call meetings and that’s great but you’re really just a number to them, school and huge company. The local votech on the other hand, your instructor probably knows the local businesses and points of contact to get your foot in the door. My local votech had school sponsored apprenticeships with these local businesses. These programs really helped with the transition from student to employee. Just my $.02 as a 25 year blue collar worker.
Thanks mr cox that’s really inspired , my mind is ready to go on my career.. thumb up.. Matt Clinton from Namibia(Africa)
For anyone wanting to go to school in the Texas area specifically Houston, hcc has a good automotive and diesel programs for about 1k each semester or each block (there are 3 blocks I believe) and then if you want your associates you need to take 2 more classes and be in an automotive job for 1 year and that’s about 260 each.
Hey, I’m about to graduate high school, and I’m on the fence of either going to hcc for the diesel program or the tstc diesel program. Houston is closer to me, how was the program itself? I plan on getting a associates degree, how much was tuition? What about job offerings while your in the program?
@@TeamPxL I completed the automotive program and started the diesel program before finding out I didn’t have financial aid so I had to withdraw. But the time I was there it was really good and fun. Very hands on. Cheap tuition. I highly suggest it. Professors are cool as well
You sir are a class act. This video should be shown in schools. (Maybe without the airplane;-) )
I started as an auto mobile dimanteletr and learned a lot about how cars are put together. Then I went to a school for 30 days to get D. O. T. Certified as a diesle service tech. I went to open of the largest used truck and used heavey equipment companies on the east coast and worked on every kind of truck or heavey equipment
I told the boss I had experience on gas engines and auto and manual transmissions but I will work hard and learn. He had a very good set of tech manuals and all kinds of trucks and heavey equipment. I got more hands on experience there than I could ever get at any tech school.
What trade school did you got your dot certified
@@french2french527 road masters drivers school in Orlando Florida. It was a school for semi truck drivers but for awhile they were doing a diesle service mechanics course I don't beleave they teach it there anymore.
@@tomh6477 cool. I'm a truck driver i kno basic stuff but I wanna learn how to rebuild the engine
Any tips.. also thanks for replying
@@french2french527 The best advice I can give you is to try and get a hold of a good tech manual like Chilton. When I first started fresh out of D.O.T. school I went to work at Deland used truck center knowing little but what I learned in school . I had exsperiance on cars gas engines and automatic and standerd transmissions but not much hands on exsperiance on diesel engines but my boss had hundreds of tech manuals and all kinds of semi trucks that needed anything from engine rebuilds to clutches and transmissions . That's were I learned most of what I know about semi trucks and diesel engines anything hydraulic or electronic I learned in high school and while serving seven years in the military. There's no way better to learn than hands on exsperiance and I got a lot of that in total 40 years worth . I have done extensive work on heavey construction equipment bob cats all kinds of things. The best advice I can give you is to first have confidence in your self and your abilities don't let a big job over whelm you you can do anything you set your mind to doing.
@@french2french527 maybe we can talk on the phone sometime I could better explain how I learned most of what I know . I learned basics from school but more of what I know I learned on my own.
The only reason I got my associates from a community college was because I want to work as an auto shop teacher at my High school here in Texas
Agreed you don’t need tech school to get in this industry I started as a grease and oil change tech 13 years ago didn’t know the first thing about trucks started at 9.50 an hour today I am the shop Forman making well over 30.00 an hour every day you learn something new is a good day
Take advantage of vocational high schools they are free and they teach have some good programs and potentially job placement
Or try the service. That's what I did. Joined the Navy seebees as construction mechanic, stayed in 8years came out and work for city of phoenix, did 25 and iam done ✔
Hello Mr Cox, I am from Africa, and am interested in learning if you can teach me, thank you for the video.
A Tech College that is supported by the state is a NON-PROFIT organization and will almost always be cheaper and get you a degree or diploma for under 10k. Most of the super quick and super expensive schools are FOR-PROFIT and will cost 30k and higher. A non-profit school will usually do a much better job of letting you go through at a slower pace if you have any learning issues. Retaking a class is usually easier and way cheaper if you get in a jam.
Simple and best advice you can find. Thanks
I've always noticed this about fixing things. If the demand is high enough they will take know how over anything else.
Love this dude. Solid stuff Texan !
I want to learn more diag and the nerdy stuff that’s why Iv been thinking about going back to school
This is Something that I have wondered about for a while now. I don't know what you would say to a person that really loves working on machines of really any kindbut that is on the autistic spectrum And has mild cerebral palsy, As well as Undiagnosed ADHD.
I still feel like I'm trying to figure out life and a job and everything but this is definitely an industry that I would love to get into.
I'm 19 in college for diesel but I have to take classes i don't need and not interested in ...i hate it
Who told you that ?😶
Math and writing? Those are the 2 I’ve mostly heard people had to take
I have muscular dystrophy and 43 years old , but I have mechanical aptitude ,logical thinker and determination. Strength is my biggest setback and blessing. Just wondering your thoughts with a disability. Thanks and appreciate any feedback. I appreciate your videos as well.
So true, good information man.
This gentleman is 100 percent correct young fellas.
Food for thought…. Community college professors also work at prestigious schools
I went the other way I'm a driver and now I wanna fix them. Good advice. I found a school for 3.2k 1 year corse. Start in August.
Where ?
I’m driver too and now I want to work on these engines
How's your course going?
I won’t lie this video made me choose 91B as my job in the Army
I started pushing a mop cleaning bays and the shop applied to be a general service technician changing tires and oil changes I use to ask a lot of questions from the other mechanic in the shop I would write up services when I did oil changes I would check the car all over looking for worn parts and bad brakes the other technician noticed that I actually took the time unlike the other gs technician they just did what the ticket said , they would give me money on pay day they didn’t mind showing me and teaching me how to become a technician because I help put money in their pockets I started out making $6.50 hour then $8 I know have over 24 years of automotive experience I make $30 an hour at a fleet shop no flat rate or commission pay
We have good community and decently priced tech colleges in Texas
UA-cam is the best school on planet earth and learn to be a diesel mechanic a motorcycle mechanic I’ve learned how to redo my kitchen and my bathroom and put a roof on my house by watching UA-cam.
To a point. Not everyone on UA-cam is a good mechanic and mislead a lot of people
I did this literally this morning. I’m tired of indeed so I started door knocking. I’m guaranteed a position at kubota once they do my background and drug test.
Lol welcome to 2022, where i cant even hire at my drive thru cause noone wants to work apparently
This really helps me bro thanks for that keep us updating 🤙
Thanks man , good info bro
Uti was 11grand for me 30 years ago
Awesome Video!🎥
Thank you for your advice 🤠🤠
Thanks for speaking the truth 🙌 🙏
Threw trash for 6 months at a trash company and the mechanics told the boss about my interest in mechanic work and how I kept asking questions. The boss just offered to pay for me to go to diesel school. I strongly believe that experience and knowledge is to be preferred over degrees and qualifications, but since work will pay, im going to do this. Having some difficulty finding a school close enough to commute from my family's farm though.
you prefer this over throwing trash?
Me in my second semester of trade school rigorously taking notes:✍️✍️✍️