What are the requirements to be a diesel mechanic?

Are you thinking about becoming a diesel mechanic? Well, you need to be sure that you meet the requirements of this career path. Read more below to find out a few of the requirements to be a diesel mechanic:

Secondary education
The minimum requirement for secondary education is a grade 10 certificate. However, this may vary depending on the employer’s personal requirements. Some employers will not hire individuals to be a diesel mechanic unless they have obtained a high school diploma.

Subjects
There are no subject requirements for becoming a diesel mechanic, though there are a few recommendations. It is recommended that upcoming diesel mechanics take mathematics, trade theory, technical drawing, English and more. Subjects such as mathematics and technical drawing will help them with the logical, problem solving part of the job while English will help with various factors, such as speaking to clients and more.

Age requirements
Such as the minimum educational requirement, the minimum age required to be a diesel mechanic is 16. Though, you will not be accepted into a diesel mechanic training programme if you have not completed grade 10. Similarly, if you have passed grade 10 but are not yet 16, you will not be accepted into a training programme.

Apprenticeship
Before an individual can become a diesel mechanic, they must first complete an apprenticeship and a trade test. An apprenticeship can be done through an employer that provides training. There are two stages to the training; theoretical and practical training. The theoretical training can be completed through a technical college and the practical work can be completed at a workshop, under the supervision of a qualified diesel mechanic. This course is usually 4 years long but it may be shorter, depending on whether you have additional qualifications.