Diesel-Heavy Truck Technician Training
Start Building Your Future
Curriculum Details
Arizona Automotive Institute’s comprehensive Diesel – Heavy Truck program helps prepare you to be a Diesel Mechanic specializing in large-scale equipment and diesel engine trucks. We combine classroom-style education with hands-on learning in a job-like setting to help prepare you for what a career as a Diesel and Heavy Truck Mechanic could be like once you graduate.* With enrollment starting on a rolling basis every 5 weeks and programs that can be completed in 13 months, your dream career may be in your near future! By the end of our program, you may be prepared to sit for certifications like the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), EPA 609 A/C Technician and Original Equipment Manufacturer Training Certification.**
Diploma: 60 Credit Hours, 13 Months.
*AAI does not guarantee employment or salary.
**AAI does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by AAI but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to AAI. Therefore, AAI cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Diesel Engines
- Fuel Systems
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Heating, Ventilation & AC
- Diesel Drivetrain & Chassis
- Electronic Systems
What Does a Diesel - Heavy Truck Technician Do?
A Diesel-Heavy Truck Technician specializes in servicing and performing mechanical repairs to larger commercial vehicles such as city buses, semi-trucks, and other large equipment. Below are some of the skills taught at AAI in our Diesel-Heavy Truck Technician training program.
*AAI cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Diagnostics Duties
- Listening to and understanding customer questions and issues
- Performing diagnoses using computerized diagnostic tools
- Effectively communicating solutions to customers
- Providing technical customer service
- Working with customers who rely on their vehicles for their livelihood
- Clearly communicating pricing
- Accurately estimating repair time
Mechanical Duties
- Engine performance diagnosis and repair
- Brake system repair
- Steering and suspension repair
- Diesel drivetrain inspection
Electrical Duties
- PMI systems
- HVAC systems
- Drivetrain and chassis electrical systems
Recommended Skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Troubleshooting
- Constant learning
- Communication skills
Flexible Work Schedules
Diesel-heavy truck technicians typically work full-time (about 40 hours a week). Some mechanic shops operate under typical business hours, while others are open 24/7. Diesel-heavy truck technicians have the opportunity to work a variety of shifts, including overnights and evenings. Some workplaces also offer the opportunity for technicians to work part-time while completing schooling or other training.
Some diesel-heavy truck technicians are mobile and may be on call to assist people with mechanical problems or breakdowns at any hour of the day. Many technicians spend part of their day traveling to repair sites or picking up the necessary equipment. It’s common for diesel-heavy truck technicians to have the opportunity to work overtime.
Some diesel-heavy truck technicians start their own businesses and work independently, while others choose to work in an established mechanic shop. Some also work on the road.
Work Environment
Diesel-heavy truck technicians are expected to work in a variety of environments. Typically, technicians work in a shop that may be noisy and have variable lighting. These shops are well-ventilated and heated, but technicians may be exposed to variable weather conditions, as some work outdoors or do roadside repairs. Diesel-heavy truck technicians must be adaptable to different work environments and common distractions, such as lighting and background noise.
It’s common for diesel technicians to work as part of a team of other technicians, sometimes working with others on the same project. The ability to work well with others is crucial for technicians and a highly valued skill in the workplace. Customer service is another aspect of the day-to-day responsibilities of diesel-heavy truck technicians, and they’re expected to work face-to-face with customers to help solve their problems.
The right diesel truck program prepares you with a wide range of skills to apply in your career. Diesel-heavy truck technicians continue to receive on-the-job training, even after completing postsecondary training or receiving a certificate. The opportunity to continue to learn is part of the job!
New Ford Tech - ACE
What is Ford ACE?
Ford ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) is a nationally recognized program between Ford Motor Company, Ford and Lincoln dealerships, and secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, that allows students exclusive access to Ford Motor Company training modules.Why is Ford ACE important to you?
Students attending a Ford ACE partnership school like AAI obtain valuable knowledge of Ford & Lincoln vehicle systems by completing these web-based training modules. The Ford ACE modules are the theory portion of the Ford training program taken by current Ford dealership technicians, so students receiving these certificates of completion are already credentialed to join the Ford training program upon graduation. By completing the training, students are one step ahead of others in a career in the automotive industry.Why is Ford ACE important to employers?
Receiving Ford ACE certificates of completion indicates to dealership employers that the individual is highly-trained, knowledgeable, and proactive, differentiating themself from the average applicant, and providing evidence they are more employable.Ready to Take the First Step?
Start earning your way to the career training you have been dreaming of with our hands-on programs at Arizona Automotive Institute. Centrally located within the Phoenix Metropolitan area, AAI is a great place to begin your journey in skills-based careers. Learn more about our programs or schedule a tour to visit our innovative learning labs and campus today.
Employment Partners
At AAI, we want to support our students from enrollment to post-graduated. We have a number of employment partners to help you find the perfect job to start your career. Some of our diesel – heavy truck partners are:
What Our Graduates Say
Are You Ready for Your New Career?
We’re here to help you for your dream career, not your next job. If you are ready to start the next chapter of your life and looking for the technical school that will get you there, Arizona Automotive Institute is ready to help.