Blog

Being a diesel mechanic can be a truly rewarding and successful career. With the increasing number of diesel vehicles taking to the road, there will always be a healthy demand for capable diesel mechanics. And what better way to equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge to make you a more-than-capable diesel mechanic than through the proper diesel mechanic training.

In order to become a fully qualified diesel mechanic you will need to do an automotive apprenticeship. Through your apprenticeships you will be immersed in both formal off-the-job diesel mechanic training and on-the-job diesel mechanic training. In your diesel mechanic training, a Registered Training Organisation will be responsible for giving you the proper off-the-job training, while an employer will be the one to provide you with on-the-job training through actual work assignments and responsibilities.

Outline of Off-Site Training

I.    Course Core Competencies

This part of your diesel mechanic training covers the basics. Since being a diesel mechanic doesn’t mean you will work in isolation, skills such as applying safe working practices; and monitoring and keeping with environmental regulations in the industry. Also you will be taught how to carry out diagnostic procedures to determine problems.

II.    Diesel Fuel

This group of off-the-job training will teach you to use and maintain measuring equipment and repair single electrical units. Also you will undergo hours of training to learn to repair engines and associated components; and maintain, inspect and repair the following systems: fuel, emission control, and forced induction.

III.    Technical Inventory

With this group of diesel mechanic training units, you will be able to specialise as well as diversify your skills. Here you can either learn such skills as effective workplace communication, basic first aid, build customer relations and other shop-keeping skills. You can even opt to learn to weld, solder, repair cooling systems, service batteries, manual heating and thermal cutting and many more.

Of course, your training wouldn’t be complete without learning about how to do various services on diesel engines – inspect, service, overhaul, and install assemblies – and different parts of the vehicle like brakes, cylinder heads, and hydraulic systems.

All in all, the off-site training will provide you with a wide range of expert knowledge to

On-The-Job Training

Of course the training and practical learning that you will experience during your on-the-job training can be just as diverse, rewarding and immersive as your off-site learning – if not more so. Host employers will also be responsible for providing you with an experienced coach to guide you in your on-the-job training.

During your diesel mechanic training under your host employer, you will be able to put to good use the things that you learn during your in-class learning. The hands-on application will further reinforce your skills, assuring you that once you find yourself tackling the real thing, you’d know exactly what to do.