Heavy-Duty Mechanic

Career Opportunities for Heavy-Duty Mechanics in New Jersey

Do you want to work on the largest engines and equipment? That’s the role of the heavy-duty mechanic. Many types of vehicles and machinery require the services of these capable mechanics. You will also find several specializations within the field to pique your interest. Heavy-duty mechanics are essential to many industries.

Heavy-duty mechanics must have the right training and certifications before entering the job field. Vocational school training is available at Pennco Tech in our Diesel Technology program, where students can learn the basics before moving on to further training to become heavy-duty mechanics. Learn more about starting a new, exciting career path as a heavy-duty mechanic at our campus in Blackwood, New Jersey.

Benefits of Working as a Heavy-Duty Mechanic

Heavy-duty mechanics are a growing occupation in the United States. Several factors drive this job growth. Many of the large trucks, locomotives, and other vehicles you see on the road are aging. That means they are more likely to require repairs. In many ways, these engines also drive the U.S. economy, providing goods throughout the country, including necessities such as food, fuel, and shelter. The machinery that loads and unloads these vehicles at ports and other centralized shipping locations also requires the services of heavy-duty mechanics.

Another aspect of this job role is repairing and maintaining heavy equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, trenchers, graders, boom lifts, and excavators. These types of heavy machinery can be considered the backbone of the building and construction industry. Plenty of other industrial sectors also require these large and powerful machines, such as mining, logging, and agriculture.

Experienced heavy-duty mechanics have skills that employers need. And as mechanics, they are actively engaged in the world of laborious physical work. They are adept at using a wide variety of tools, and their day-to-day work involves considerable problem-solving. They may also travel to different locations to fix engines, electrical systems, and other parts of vehicles on the road, in the forest, or at the farm.

What Work Do Heavy-Duty Mechanics Perform?

Making sure big machines and equipment run safely and at optimum efficiency is the core of the work performed by heavy-duty mechanics. They must maintain fleets of trucks and heavy equipment to regulatory standards for the safety of those who operate them on long hauls and in rough terrains. Diesel mechanics are also responsible for troubleshooting and fixing problems so work can continue. Heavy-duty mechanics may repair diesel and gas-powered engines, as well as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

During their work, heavy-duty mechanics may do the following:

• Diagnose problems using computerized tools
• Maintain equipment according to schedule, including inspections
• Log all repairs, conditions, and other work performed
• Overhaul and test components, including pistons, gears, bearings, and engines
• Repair large equipment on site, including disassembly and reassembly
• Consult blueprints, manuals, and other information to assist with diagnosis and repair
• Weld and fabricate parts and equipment when necessary
• Order parts and understand supply chain timing for deliveries
• Maintain inventory of parts and components for repairs
• Train and supervise other mechanics and technicians

Start With the Diesel Technology Program at Pennco Tech

Pennco Tech offers vocational training for students who want to pursue careers as heavy-duty mechanics. Our Diesel Technology program provides an excellent starting point for those who want to repair and maintain large equipment. After completing our program, our diesel mechanics may require additional training to become certified as heavy-duty mechanics. Students who complete our Diesel Technology program could find employment with experienced heavy-duty mechanics for further training and specialization.

There are a variety of roles within the field that range from beginning to advanced. Our instructors offer courses that cover this range, providing electrical, chassis, welding, fabrication, powertrain, and preventive maintenance courses.

Explore New Careers With Training at Pennco Tech

Students can find the support they need to start a vocational trade career at Pennco Tech. Financial aid is available for students who qualify, with 80% of our student body finding assistance through grants, scholarships, and loans. We encourage high school students and military veterans to consider our programs as they enter the workforce. At Pennco Tech, we encourage our students to get the quality training they need for the jobs of their choice so they can go on and live fulfilling, successful lives. For more information, contact us today.

*Financial Aid available only to those who qualify.