Education · 1 of 4

The path

Two honest routes: pay for a program and start higher, or get hired as a helper and learn on the clock.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Auto shop, welding and math if your school has them. A clean driving record matters from here on.

2. 2

   Training or a first shop job

   1 to 2 years

   A 1 to 2 year community college diesel program, a registered apprenticeship, or hire on as a lube technician and learn in the bay.

3. 3

   Build hours in the bay

   2 to 3 years

   Brakes, suspension, electrical, then engines and aftertreatment. This is where you actually learn the trade.

4. 4

   ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certification

   Year 2 or 3

   The medium and heavy truck test series, T1 through T8. You need about two years of hands on experience before the certificate is issued, or one year plus a two year degree.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Ongoing

   Engine performance and emissions, transit buses, refrigerated trailers, or heavy equipment. Each one pays more than general work.