I just wanna put it in perspective. He started out at $9 around 2015, I was making about $15 working as a retail associate at that same time. The thing is one of those paths is a dead end unless you go management (retail) and the other path leads to exponential increases in pay over the years and can even lead to owning a business and being your own damn boss (diesel). Appreciate the knowledge man!
This is a real reflection of alot of people in our generation. As a heavy diesel technician and tech school graduate I have seen this for years. I have seen guys like that come and go for years . I love the content , keep it up!
I’m honestly thinking about this path as well. Been in a plumbing warehouse, moved up to Warehouse Manager but it’s still not what I want. I need a trade and one in which there is opportunity for growth, this path seems to have plenty of branches to choose from.
@@matthewrangel9955 I’d assume it’s based on how long you’ve been doing it and what you’re working with. I know a guy making around $27/hr on semis. Still trying to look into the job more.
Have you just considered applying at a shop. Work exp is the same as school for A.S.E and exp is more lucrative. I literally just applied at a freightliner dealership, told them I didnt know jack sh*t about semis. They started me as an entry level tech and now there talkin about paid technical training. The pay sucks starting out, so find a side job. Better in the long run to stick it out. It all looks good on a resume anyway.
This is so true. Been in the diesel field for about 4 years now. Graduated school, got a job at a TA doing tires, oil changes, etc. I am now putting my 2 weeks in and was able to get a job at Freightliner.
I’m with you, I started with fleet tech doing oil changes and light diagnostic. Moved over to diesel tech for fleet and had to start over again. I’ve learned so much(continue to learn) and I have no complaints. Love learning and being paid for it! Earn your way to no longer being a green horn. Before you know it you’ll have a younger guy like you use to be, green around the ears asking you for advice.
Been a diesel tech going on 6 years now , I’m 27 started at my first shop doing pms and trailer fab for 11.00 , between 4 shops and about to start at my 5th making 26.00 now , I must say the dying breed thing is real and you’re only the 2nd person I’ve ever heard talk about it , but I actually see it reflect in the field . In my experience , you make your money when you move between shops
As a pro-carpenter, I started my journey from sweeping floors and pinned at the mitre saw. And after 9 years, I'm a licensed carpenter can build a house from foundation to the final interior finishing, and able to lead small team. Also, I have decided to become a self-taught mechanic because the mechanic in my area like using very rough cheap labour and almost messed up my light commercial van. So I started from reading manufacturer's repair manuals, studying similar models to my van, watching other mechanics tutorial videos, and so far has completed the following tasks: 1, oil & filter change 2, ATF change and valve body cleaning 3, Rear screen wash unclog and spray nozzle refitting 4, Serpentine belt and tensioner replacing 5, Drum brake rebuild with brake adjustment (the mechanic warped my old drum causing very uneven wear on the shoes and side-vibrating wheels) 6, Disc brake service and check 7, Radiator upper tank crack temporary fixing By the way, my commercial van has a petrol engine but the layout is very similar to a heavy diesel truck and its inside is very spacious for tools.
Honestly though, this trade will legit strap you down and slap the ego out of you. I'm currently studying Mechanical Engineering and I'm trying to drop it and get into the Automotive technician trade. I've been applying left and right, over 25 applications a day and I've only gotten THREE interviews. Its crazy, humbling, and hard to start off in this industry without any experience. Honestly, if you have the drive and passion for something, you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal. I'm trying, no luck yet. Might have to drop $40k and go to trade school, but I'll still make it.
I FEEL THIS! In the Army as a 91B (all wheel vehicle mechanic) I went through this moment. Only got to work on easy stuff. After 8 years I got to do the big stuff and lead the floor. Now that I’m out in the civilian side, I have to start back at the bottom again. But I understand that they don’t know me and have to see if I’m a good fit. Stay humble everyone, you’ll progress.
How’s it been bro? I’ve been going back and forth between going for Cummins or go into welding. I’m a diesel mechanic currently. Leaving in a few months
I’ve been a diesel mechanic for the Army for about 3.5 years now. I’m finally getting out and moving back home. The army is putting me through a program at Ryder, that’ll place me in a job after I graduate. 100% paid for. I also just found your channel. Appreciate all the solid advice man. I’m excited to get back to a normal lifestyle
I’m planning on being a wheeled vehicle mechanic( diesel/auto mechanic) in the airforce. How was your experience? What’s the tips and things I should know
Hey brother 8 years in army no experience other than my personal vehicles and stuff. about to get out in a year and a half. What is this ryder program about really interested
Thank you for posting truth. I'm 22 y/o. Been heavy diesel mechanic for 3 years now. Started at the bottom and keep going up as i learn new stuff. I love my trade. With that said, thank you for posting videos like this ones. It is hard work and it is hard on every part of your body but it's a nice feeling fixing stuff and making someone's day. Keep up the hard work
It can be very rewarding. Good to hear you like it. It’s hard work, but if you’re smart about it you can have a long career. Keep up the good work my dude 👍🏼
I'm 25, got hired at a diesel shop at 21, changed oil on 2nd shift for 1.5 years, then changed tires on 1st for 2 more. Shop paid for me to get my 608 cert now I'm training under the lead reefer tech learning more and more every day. You gotta be willing to do the shit nobody else wants to do to get anywhere in this line of work, wish more people in my generation understood this. Everybody wants the reward nobody wants to do the work
Hey man, I just discovered your channel this week. I'm 33 and I have just decided to pursue a career as a diesel tech and just today applied for a diesel tech cert course at a local Community College. I just want to thank you for all the great advice in your videos. Very motivating stuff. Keep up the great work!
I know this was a year ago but i just quit my 75k a year supervisor job to start at a local truck shop .... i love working on cars but semi i dont know much about , told the shop ower the truth and he still game me oportunity im soo exited to finally work as something i enjoy , hope everything went well for you
It's crazy to think he's talking about the same kind of people i went to school with. Then I'm over here been in the industry for a little over a year. I just had my one year review and the things that my boss liked the most about me was i always show up early, stay late, work overtime and never complain about the jobs given to me. I guess that makes me different from most people at my level these days. My boss said that my dedication to my job is very appropriated and that i have had the best work ethic out of most of the other people that he hired in the past few year's.
Hell yeah man. Why did this guy with this channel congrats on your work. Shows how much he don't care and just wants to be a sack of shit cuz he isn't that smart lol.
I find this way to be better honestly. Im 17 and recently graduated highschool. Ive been wanting to work on vehicles since i was very young because i was always around that type of stuff seeing that my dad is a mechanic. At his shop the most i’d is service vehicles and watch when they do the harder stuff and nothing’s wrong with that! Its one of the best way to learn, and commit actions to heart. I’ll be moving away next year to start school to become a diesel tech one day, really excited to see how it goes
You have alot of good points a guy that has a snap on box 1/4 full and $20,000 in debt and no experience wants to do stuff they really don’t even know how to do been in it for 10 years and still learning and its right don’t act like you know everything because when it comes down to it your just going to embarrass yourself GOOD VIDEO
I was in tech school and worked at Penske at 18 years old my job was to fuel trucks and check fluid levels,I was sweeping the floor,wiping all the toolboxes, offered to go on part runs and if they could describe what it does and how it plays all together because when I started I didn’t know anything. I was making $16 an hour. I graduated tech school, I got a new job at FedEx as a diesel mechanic and my Penske manager put in a good word for me and got offered $25 an hour starting doing pms, minor such as window regulators I’m 21 still at FedEx and I started doing clutches and now my turn around time is 8 hours. Definitely have to work for it and I love to do this everyday.
An update from a previous comment I made, I am currently going to school to be an aircraft mechanic now. Working on airplanes is a whole different domain, but working your way up is the same as it is in any industry. I recently started working for a family owned company that does aircraft MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul). And my title is "aircraft mechanic apprentice/helper", but when I started they had me sweeping, mopping, scrubbing the entire hangars floor. I didn't mind that at all because I was simply happy to be around airplanes, because that's what I'm passionate about now. With in just one week, the floor went from being full of grit and dirt, to clear and shiny. All the guys were impressed with my work ethic, and that I never once complained. Then one day, the shops IA inspector (inspection authorization) came to me the other day and said to me, "if any of the guys need assistance, then go right for it". And that's what I do now, I'll start my days off by sweeping the floors if there's a mess, and if the guys call my name and need my help, I help them now. If anyone reads this comment, I want to tell you that working your way up is really the only way to get the best out of your employment now. Because if you're working hard all day, your coworkers will be happy with you, your managers will be happy, and you'll go one step farther up the ladder.
Great advice. I started in a ag diesel shop washing tractors. I washed/detailed tractors for a year before I did my first oil change. I started as a green horn with no degree. Just finished my first transmission work order. Hard work pays off. Well said my man!
I’m really digging your videos. It gives people an idea of what they are getting into and what to expect. I recently just enrolled in a Diesel course trying to get my foot in the door somewhere. I got an automotive certificate in high school and never did anything with it and now I’m trying to get back into the field at 28. Life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to but sometimes you have to play the cards you are dealt.
Never too late to try and better yourself. You said it man. Gotta play your cards. Thank you for watching, and good luck with everything. Any questions feel free to ask.
Great attitude and so true. Im a vocational kid from the late 80s. My first job was on a fuel island for a huge truck leasing company for 3.5 years before becoming an apprentice and truely working on a truck. But I asked a lot of questions and learned. Love your videos. Keep up the good work💪
GOOD DOSE OF REALITY !!! Telling it like it is. The world does not owe you as some expect. I started turning wrenches when I was 15 in the mid 50s, am now 81 (retired) and have lived a very good life provided to me and my family by being a Diesel and Hydraulic Mechanic. This only came with a lot of hard work, a willingness to take on whatever task that was needed or assigned, and the desire to continue to learn all I could about my craft. It is a long hard journey but the rewards are well worth the time & effort required. I salute you.
Been a heavy equipment mechanic for twenty eight years. My experience hard work mediocre pay thankless managment and lazy managers riding a desk looking at spread sheets. My body is worn out the pay has never kept up and it is a thankless job. Cleaning up after yourself is one thing but when your told to scrub toilets.Power wash the building and perform maintenance on the building that's another story. I would encourage any young person to go into any other trade than this one. Let's see if he is as upbeat after thirty years and his body is shot and he can't do the work anymore and can't get a job doing anything else.
This is the truth of being an auto/diesel mechanic. The fact you didn't retire within 30 years says everything. You're treated as less than human by everyone all for low pay..
I started by doing only maintanance on semitrucks ...every day i tried to learn what i can.After 2 years of learning and being persistent now i run the shop for a ready mix concrete company.
Good advice. I did less than 7 months of school. Got a golden opportunity too work and learn at the same time. Been here a month. Im getting better everyday. I bust my ass. I dont mind doing trash. Sweeping, cleaning. They trust me too do different jobs here an there i love it.
Just completed my first week of school. Cant wait to start my new career. After 14 years of machining it seems like a natural transition. Keep the good videos coming dawg!
I'll add to this video, I'll be 30 in two weeks and JUST graduated last May from a diesel program. I changed my career at age 28. Being a tech is about always learning, always bettering yourself and ALWAYS remembering where you came from. I washed buses for two years before I got to do an oil change and a grease job. I went to school, got the HIGHEST GPA in my class and still don't know shit. School is a key to open the door, what you do once you're inside determines your success.
Congrats on the new trade Travis. I’m in the same boat. 37 in a couple of months and am switching from a lineman to a brand new diesel apprentice and I can’t wait to start at the bottom and learn and grow and work hard! Best of luck to you.
@@TheDieseldog thanks for the awesome and informative videos. Glad to have these for reference and inspiration as I start at the bottom of this trade and journey
Dustin, good luck to you too buddy. Best "advice" I can give is sleep as much as you can and take aspirin. Also, in the diesel world work smart, don't lift drums if you have a motorcycle jack handy. 🤣
@@metalback26 thank you buddy! Haha hopefully I learn to work smart instead of hard in this trade because I definitely didn’t at times in my current trade! How are you liking the trade? Glad you made the switch? I’ve never worked close to home and this job is 20 minutes away. I won’t know what to do with myself! Haha
I’m 26 about to do a career change from trucker to a diesel mechanic. So we will see how it goes but one thing I got going is my father taught me right so I got a strong work ethic!!
"Time to sack up Buttercup"👍 there's so much opportunity out here right now man and not only in this industry but any trade. Being entitled with a bad attitude will ruin your chances anywhere doing any kind of work
Hi, just saw your video. You make some great points. As a former shop owner for 25 years and 5 years as high school auto instructor, I feel the lack of interest in hard work isn't really missing, I just feel the awareness of what to expect is, and the industry's lack of clear description of what the career path looks like. Your point about the expectations the Vocational schools present, like that of starting on engine overhauls day one of the new job is ridiculous. One does have to earn the credentials and work their way up. Nobody fresh in any career starts out as the head person or in full responsibility. The job is hard and much to learn, but its a great career surrounded with great people. For those willing to realize their is a hill to climb may get to see the great view from the top.
Well after sweeping floors for a year as a 15 year old the first thing I was told to on a truck was a complete engine pull and rebuild. Now I do full time diesel work which has included 2 engine rebuilds and 3 engine swaps in 8 months
I went to school. I’ve been wrenching 7 years and I’m barely getting to the top. I love this field because it’s literally blood sweat and tears . I love being a diesel mechanic. I barely became a fire truck mechanic
Are you doing that flat rate? Or you are paid hourly ? Working 16-20 hours a day is not sustainable. If you are flagging 16-20 hours a day thats different. I’d rather be paid a good hourly amount of 45$ an hour and not have to work 16-20 a day.I’m good just working 8 I enjoy life
@John Brennan and that’s a bad thing why? Work smarter not harder . I make good money at work and on the side . Don’t need to bust my ass for some company that can replace me by another young clown kid that thinks he knows everything. I know my worth . You are just a typical airhead that thinks he knows it all but that’s not the case buddy . If it works for you that’s great
Another problem too is you go to work at some these places and some of the techs are blatantly disrespectful calling you names, talking down to you and talking to you like you’re POS. It’s definitely not very encouraging. I worked at a Honda dealer for like a week and immediately was called a bitch right off the bat and being told I just had to put up with it. I quit immediately. I’m not dealing with that. Ill go work somewhere else
Awesome video man I’m 21 and getting into the field i did a free college program for 310t and now i have a interview on monday , im confident but nervous as hell . Cant wait to put in some hard work and to learn Thats all i want
Great explanation! It's on point. Starting an entry level diesel mechanic job next week. And im so excited and I even knew what to expect when starting. Shit Id scrub the rims with a tooth bursh for a couple months just to get my foot in the door with this kinda work. I spoke to a manager of a mechanic shop and he said the hardest people to deal with are the young ones fresh out of tech school because they think they deserve top pay right out of school. And what they don't realize is school teaches good stuff. But school moves to fast for you to soak up the information. And it's also not hands on work.
I went to an automotive program at my local community college. I was about 75% through it and then Covid hit so I didn’t finish. Got hired at a shop as a lube tech 4 months ago at 39. I started at the bottom but I work hard help keep the shop clean and every day management keeps giving me bigger jobs. My advice would be to work and go to school at the same time if possible.
I’m having this problem at my shop rn with a couple of new guys that have been only been working with us for like 2 months and they complain because I’m the only one that the shop trust to do diagnostic (the reason they complain is because sometime I’m sitting there thinking on a solution while they change oil they thinking I have it easy) anyways I started at the bottom of the barrel they admired they didn’t pay me correctly when I first started working there out of UTI but I put it the hard work just to work my way up I went as far as working 5am-10pm a month straight basically having no life just to learn my craft sorry for the rant
I can't agree with you more. I'm 16 and work about 35 hrs a week along with going to school full-time, some of the people I work with won't put in the work and it pisses me off. Anyway love your content brother keep it up!!!
heavy construction mechanic is the best diesel job they take new mechanics straight outta school and do hands on right away i like your motivations and advice cant wait to go to diesel school this month and changing careers at 25 i would like to be a heavy duty construction when i finish school
Great advice. Seen them come and go. I’m 23, did the school thing, and just shut up and learned. You ask a tech a question out of 100 you’ll get 100 different answers. Listened to it all and did my own thing. Humbled real quick with the 5.4’s, 6.0’s and all fords shit. But it makes you better.
Great video brother I am in agreement with you I am a journeyman heavy Equipment mechanic my dad taught me a little bit about heavy duty trucks and earthmoving Equipment so I am at the bottom of the totem pole right now doing oil changes and changing water pumps and brakes.i got to start some where thanks for the motivation and I have service manuals on different types of trucks and equipment keep the videos coming I will be certified soon and get my CDL I am also watching equipment repair videos on you tube thanks a lot for the uplift God bless
I’m going to school right now for diesel tech so thank you for the advice. I do understand there will be plenty to learn and experience after I’ve completed school. Work hard play hard
HI DIESEL DOG THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO YOU ARE SO CORRECT I AM A HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS HELPER AND I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING MY DAD TAUGHT ME A COUPLE THINGS HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT REPAIR BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY SO I AM STILL LEARNING AND READING SERVICE MANUALS AND WATCHING YOU TUBE VIDEOS SO I AM JUST A ROOKIE IN THIS FIELD SO I GOT A LONG WAY TO GO THANKS FOR THE UPLIFTING MESSAGE AND ENCOURAGEMENT KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING BROTHER GOD BLESS GREETINGS FROM THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN US TERRITORY ST THOMAS
Hey man love the videos! I am a truck and coach tech apprentice in Toronto ontario! I went through school while working at my job. I do my time work hard everyday all ears and no mouth! I am now doing the bigger jobs and take as much hours as I can I average about 60 hours a week. When I applied I told them I would cut the grass clean the floors what ever it takes to get a foot in the door. I am currently 25 and have worked in construction all my career so this is new to me and I love it. Hard to find people with a good work ethic these days man! Your videos really are amazing and your advice helps so much! You should try and do a live Q&A some time man! Looking forward to hearing from you! Cheers!
Doing 60hours a week is crazy. You almost have no life outside work in my opinion. Unless you are young and strong and still can do shit after 12 hours shift.
Great video bud. ive ran into so many TECHS that act like this.hard work does pay off.pushing a broom is part of it.when i started 18 yrs ago after leaving NADC i was put on broom duty for 6 months cuz i was green.now i build engines.dont give up but also dont be a Entitled little B.great vid.
No one wants to train you after schooling?? I hired on a heavy equipment dealer as a wash bay hand started helping the welders than learned to weld they sent me to get certification’s. A mechanic drug up I started helping them the boss sent me out to the field once when everyone else was swamped I knew it was my chance I knocked out a diag and repair and was in my own service truck in field the following year. I now have over 200 hours of training and certifications on diesel engines that was all paid for by the dealer and I was paid to take. I got my current job at a customer of that dealer after they closed their doors.
I applied to Cummins TAP, the process was a joke. The recruiters took days to reply (text) and refused to divulge starting wage. Starting at the bottom doesn't mean employers can treat you poorly.
Man I grew up on farm and never when school I been doing truck and heavy equipment mechanic and been work 3 year in mechanic field I love doing mechanic
It does bother me that people don't want to put in any hard work now a days. I'm currently a student in an automotive class at a local community college, I plan to go into diesel later on. And I intend to work hard to work my way up as a mechanic. Growing up, my dad always taught me the value of hard work, and where it can take you. Nothing can ever get done unless you work hard. Regardless of me starting out by just doing oil changes and having low pay, I'd at least be happy to be in a shop when starting out. I don't really care where or how I start as long as I get to learn something.
I think the problem is that there is nobody seems to appreciate hard work. If I look at reviews of my garage the guy that does talking is getting all the praise when I'm atually doing the hard work. Also hard workers don't even get enough breaks and days off to... regenerate after hard work. I know I sound like a wimp but I would rather work less hours to regenerate than use drugs, cigarettes, coffe, alcohol to keep me going like a lot of people in heavy labour do.
@@grzegorz16100 I fully understand where you’re coming from with the days off. Every hard worker deserves a break after a day of work, especially when you’re doing a lot of heavy lifting. I don’t want to get caught up in any of that bad stuff that will ruin my body either. I’d rather work hard for the whole week, maybe get Fridays off, then work Saturday, and rest on Sunday. Guys that take the credit when they don’t work at all are a bunch of pansies.
Graduate from tech high school and very good in automotive theory but when I went for Diesel apprenticeship...spend I whole year running wrenches errands.....yap that's life
I started as a tire man for 18 wheelers and just worked my way up helping the mechanics here and there and just picking stuff up just learning and learning thats was 10 years ago now im the lead mechanic at my job i work at like you said work hard and just suck shit up
Dieseldog 1988 Garage thing i see and hear all the time is we can start you at say 14.00 a hr the more you learn the more you earn then i hear this that’s not enough money and you think “DUMBASS” you’re making $0 a hour now so anything is better DUMB KIDS Now DAYS
Hey im currently working in the automotive industry and beginning to get discouraged about my job. I went to school and got straight A’s and only missed one day out my 9 months and started working at a Chevy dealership straight out of college. This company reached out to me and wanted me to work for them and I currently make 21$ an hour and I don’t get paid overtime. I was promised many things before moving to work there and now being there for over a year I’ve only had a 1$ increase in pay from 20$ to 21$. I can go on and on but overall I just am disappointed and expected more than just a 1$ raise in a whole year and I’ve been there and putting in around 5-10 hours in overtime per week and I just never get opportunities for growth in my career. I’m not the smartest but I love working on cars. Been thinking and talking with family about switching jobs and maybe moving to Alaska for work as a diesel mechanic with my wife for example. I don’t have any friends or family in the same field of work to ask for specific advice, If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated. 💯💯
At 19 I graduated from tech school and had a job at a Mercedes-Benz dealership before my school year was over. I worked the summer and quit after 3 months. I would go to the top of the parking garage and try to think of reasons to not jump. Different strokes I guess
Yes sir I started as a lube tech but I also helped with washing cars and cleaning the shop and helping and learning from journey men that was Hyundai and now I work for Ford working on trucks and still learning
I started out on a farm at 16 working summers and weekends running equipment and changing oils and greasing equipment and what not. At 18 I went to work full time on the farm. And slowly started learning more and more working with the farms mechanic and the outside mechanics that came in. At 25 I quit and went to work at a ag dealership to work on combines, never went to college, worked there for 2.5 years. Was working on everything from gps to planters and tractors and combines. Got offered a job to work on heavy equipment and trucks for a small out fit that used to come out to work on the trucks at the farm when we couldn’t do certain things because of tooling or whatever. I never complained I started out at 10 dollars an hour and did all the grunt work. All the pressure washing. Whatever needed done. Now I am making very good wage with company paid insurance for my family at 28. I worked with guys at the dealership who refused to clean there own mess up and always said let the yard kid do it. One day the yard kid come up to me and asked me why don’t you ever leave your mess for me to clean up? I told him well it’s not your job to clean up after me. Your not my servant. That day on he would always come ask me to show him stuff and help him with things now he works for a boat shop working on boats lol. All it takes is to show respect or give respect and you’ll go a long way in life
@@TheDieseldog thanks man. I was always taught to be patient and work hard good things will come to you. So far it’s been true. Good to see others with the same mind set 👍
Its a culture shock to alot of people when u join the military and you have all this training and first day they have u cleaning bathrooms and common areas
I’ve been a licensed tech in automotive since I was 22 and I’m 35 now and made the move to diesel. Kind of sucks being an apprentice again but you gotta do what you have to do
This video was made 4 years ago. What about the cost of living now, what about the cost of rental and housing? What about the cost of supporting one's self? You HAVE TO START HIGH to make it. Or live out of a beat up bus.
I’m a school based diesel mechanic apprentice in Australia and have been doing it for two years now and I love every job my boss gives me I enjoy just been at work do it right the first time and you won’t have to do it again plus someone has to do it
I'm 33 going on 34 this month (05-29-22). I've been reinvaluating my life and everything that goes with that. The past week I've been seriously considering getting into becoming a diesel mechanic. My mechanic skill is currently are a little bit above average. I know I have way more room to grow. I'm excited because this could be a new career for me. And I know I'm not going to go in any expect to get paid $40 an hour off top. I'll work them all the way up for that. I have no problem which started from the bottom. I know I'll make money. I always end up making money. I'm going to put them to work first. I really want to be good at this. Plus I have a little bit of a leg up. I already have a couple buddies that do this as a career. I'm going to pick their brains clean of their knowledge lol.
I was hired at a truck dealership after answering one particular question. "What do you think about the school you went too?" My response " finishing school proves to you and others just like you that I have the ability to learn the trade. Working next to other expirenced mechanics is what made me a mechanic" I started at $10.25 in a trailer bay on 3rd shift. Ive moved up 4 fold, Get your CDL and get some years under your belt.
I'm 100% in agreement with ya on most of this some times though shops will take advantage of mechanics and pigeon hold them into the oil change and tire game I've had it happen to me but I left and went to a new shop and had to start all over. But like ya said it's all in your attitude keep positive and more importantly keep those wrenches turning.
I started out as a service valet in a dealer, then to shop clean up guy, decided to go to school now I’m a technician doing heavy line and drivability etc.
I graduated from lincoln tech in Nashville and i struggled with this problem as well but i humbled myself i went and worked somewhere else doing long shift hard work to get my stripes in the work force and i came home did my interviews again and improved myself and i got my opportunity and now im employed at cat getting my training and advancing my career it about humbling yourself and throwing arrogance out of the window ied like to say its called maturing and doing what it takes especially if its your dream
I've got twenty years in pulling on a wrench did ag and construction and heavy truck after so many engine overhauls and transmission rebuids and hydraulic pump and cylinder rebuilds and truck differentials I'm looking for just an oil change and sweep the floor
As an owner operator trucker I am tired of driving. I want to pick up the books again and learn to how to become a diesel tech but I dont want a piece of a paper and get into debt from an institution 😓😓
Its not the problem of not wanting to work your way up or not working hard. Its the blatant disrespect. I went to school for welding, went military came out and welded more. I keep hearing old guys saying "i wouldve fought that guy over that" all the time but guess what we dont live in that world anymore. People are sick of assholes is the problem. A lot of people would be willing to do more and learn more if the people around werent assholes and the pay scaled accordingly.
Late to the party but a lot of people don’t know how to be humble. I enlisted right out of high school and one of the most valuable things they teach you is how to be humble and put in the work. It’s like those people who say “I could never be in the military because I’d punch a drill instructor if they got in my face” and i always think yeah you couldn’t be in the military but not for the reason you think lol
As a kid going to school for this trade , I don’t know not one thing about being a “Mechanic”. Never had anyone in my family do anything of this sort , don’t have friends that are like It either. Soo me going into this trade I want to learn not just for pay check but for the experience, most kids my age go for the cliche “go to college for 2 years” or “get a 9-5 job and figure out what you gonna do with your life” I don’t, I want to get dirty and start from the bottom.
I’m going to school as a diesel tech but feel like I won’t have much experience and feel like joining military and be a mechanic for diesel I know it may sounds backwards but I wanna be good at what I do plus then military benefits
I'm thinking about going to school for it as well but kinda scared about the debt that'll will come with it. Changing oil? I do that on my back for my families' vehicles, not that hard. Starting at the bottom? I don't have a career yet, obviously but I would like to learn new things.
Rn I'm waiting for a response for an application for Apprentice Diesel Mechanic and I'm happy to say I'd enjoy starting out changing oil. After a year of cleaning boats and two years of welding school with no real direction I'm taking up this offer I found cause at least I get paid to learn and will have a job after I finish the apprenticeship.
if you can just get into a tech diesel program and tough it out the 12-15 month program lenght, just skip over the apprentice non sense, if your life allows for schooling
I’m 38 I’ve been working on my own vehicles for a while but I think I’m just gonna become a diesel tech so I could just take care of my family understand it ain’t $100 an hour but hey it’s a decent paycheck
Went to school for auto tech vocational degree. Been working express lane for 2 years at a Nissan dealership (part time while in school, been full time since last summer). Wanted to be diesel tech, but next class was a year long wait, so went auto. Anyway to get into diesel work without going back to school for another 18 months? I'm almost 30, married and have a kid. Cant afford to stop and go back to school like that.
dont do it, just go medical and do automotive as a hobby, and if you get burnt out or tried of medical. you can also goto a school and knock out a diesel program, it would be much harder to do it the other way around.
I just wanna put it in perspective. He started out at $9 around 2015, I was making about $15 working as a retail associate at that same time.
The thing is one of those paths is a dead end unless you go management (retail) and the other path leads to exponential increases in pay over the years and can even lead to owning a business and being your own damn boss (diesel).
Appreciate the knowledge man!
This is a real reflection of alot of people in our generation. As a heavy diesel technician and tech school graduate I have seen this for years. I have seen guys like that come and go for years . I love the content , keep it up!
I'm 35 and about to start school for diesel mechanic. Complete career change. Glad I came across your videos. Thanks for keeping it real.
Would like to get info from you if possible.. dont really know which route to take
I’m honestly thinking about this path as well. Been in a plumbing warehouse, moved up to Warehouse Manager but it’s still not what I want. I need a trade and one in which there is opportunity for growth, this path seems to have plenty of branches to choose from.
@@dylak_wiin how much do diesel mechanics make ?
@@matthewrangel9955 I’d assume it’s based on how long you’ve been doing it and what you’re working with. I know a guy making around $27/hr on semis. Still trying to look into the job more.
Have you just considered applying at a shop. Work exp is the same as school for A.S.E and exp is more lucrative. I literally just applied at a freightliner dealership, told them I didnt know jack sh*t about semis. They started me as an entry level tech and now there talkin about paid technical training. The pay sucks starting out, so find a side job. Better in the long run to stick it out. It all looks good on a resume anyway.
Solid advice. Thanks for the motorvation.
Gotta be motorvated
This guy ☝🏼
This is so true. Been in the diesel field for about 4 years now. Graduated school, got a job at a TA doing tires, oil changes, etc. I am now putting my 2 weeks in and was able to get a job at Freightliner.
Congrats man, good luck to you!
I’m with you, I started with fleet tech doing oil changes and light diagnostic. Moved over to diesel tech for fleet and had to start over again. I’ve learned so much(continue to learn) and I have no complaints. Love learning and being paid for it! Earn your way to no longer being a green horn. Before you know it you’ll have a younger guy like you use to be, green around the ears asking you for advice.
Been a diesel tech going on 6 years now , I’m 27 started at my first shop doing pms and trailer fab for 11.00 , between 4 shops and about to start at my 5th making 26.00 now , I must say the dying breed thing is real and you’re only the 2nd person I’ve ever heard talk about it , but I actually see it reflect in the field . In my experience , you make your money when you move between shops
As a pro-carpenter, I started my journey from sweeping floors and pinned at the mitre saw. And after 9 years, I'm a licensed carpenter can build a house from foundation to the final interior finishing, and able to lead small team.
Also, I have decided to become a self-taught mechanic because the mechanic in my area like using very rough cheap labour and almost messed up my light commercial van. So I started from reading manufacturer's repair manuals, studying similar models to my van, watching other mechanics tutorial videos, and so far has completed the following tasks:
1, oil & filter change
2, ATF change and valve body cleaning
3, Rear screen wash unclog and spray nozzle refitting
4, Serpentine belt and tensioner replacing
5, Drum brake rebuild with brake adjustment (the mechanic warped my old drum causing very uneven wear on the shoes and side-vibrating wheels)
6, Disc brake service and check
7, Radiator upper tank crack temporary fixing
By the way, my commercial van has a petrol engine but the layout is very similar to a heavy diesel truck and its inside is very spacious for tools.
Honestly though, this trade will legit strap you down and slap the ego out of you. I'm currently studying Mechanical Engineering and I'm trying to drop it and get into the Automotive technician trade. I've been applying left and right, over 25 applications a day and I've only gotten THREE interviews. Its crazy, humbling, and hard to start off in this industry without any experience. Honestly, if you have the drive and passion for something, you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal. I'm trying, no luck yet. Might have to drop $40k and go to trade school, but I'll still make it.
I FEEL THIS! In the Army as a 91B (all wheel vehicle mechanic) I went through this moment. Only got to work on easy stuff. After 8 years I got to do the big stuff and lead the floor. Now that I’m out in the civilian side, I have to start back at the bottom again. But I understand that they don’t know me and have to see if I’m a good fit. Stay humble everyone, you’ll progress.
Thank you for your service
How’s it been bro? I’ve been going back and forth between going for Cummins or go into welding. I’m a diesel mechanic currently. Leaving in a few months
I’ve been a diesel mechanic for the Army for about 3.5 years now. I’m finally getting out and moving back home. The army is putting me through a program at Ryder, that’ll place me in a job after I graduate. 100% paid for. I also just found your channel. Appreciate all the solid advice man. I’m excited to get back to a normal lifestyle
Thank you for your service, brother. Good luck to you through your experience. Thank you for watching 🙏🏼
I’m planning on being a wheeled vehicle mechanic( diesel/auto mechanic) in the airforce. How was your experience? What’s the tips and things I should know
@seth tamplin
You ever get the job at Ryder if so how you like it man , and was the school helpful
Hey brother 8 years in army no experience other than my personal vehicles and stuff. about to get out in a year and a half. What is this ryder program about really interested
Thank you for posting truth. I'm 22 y/o. Been heavy diesel mechanic for 3 years now. Started at the bottom and keep going up as i learn new stuff. I love my trade. With that said, thank you for posting videos like this ones. It is hard work and it is hard on every part of your body but it's a nice feeling fixing stuff and making someone's day. Keep up the hard work
It can be very rewarding. Good to hear you like it. It’s hard work, but if you’re smart about it you can have a long career. Keep up the good work my dude 👍🏼
I'm 25, got hired at a diesel shop at 21, changed oil on 2nd shift for 1.5 years, then changed tires on 1st for 2 more. Shop paid for me to get my 608 cert now I'm training under the lead reefer tech learning more and more every day. You gotta be willing to do the shit nobody else wants to do to get anywhere in this line of work, wish more people in my generation understood this. Everybody wants the reward nobody wants to do the work
Hey man, I just discovered your channel this week. I'm 33 and I have just decided to pursue a career as a diesel tech and just today applied for a diesel tech cert course at a local Community College. I just want to thank you for all the great advice in your videos. Very motivating stuff. Keep up the great work!
Mark Torres right on man! I appreciate you watching. Good luck with everything. Any questions just ask.
@@TheDieseldog Much appreciated, brother!
I know this was a year ago but i just quit my 75k a year supervisor job to start at a local truck shop .... i love working on cars but semi i dont know much about , told the shop ower the truth and he still game me oportunity im soo exited to finally work as something i enjoy , hope everything went well for you
what mad u pic cc over a trade school?
was it only price
It's crazy to think he's talking about the same kind of people i went to school with. Then I'm over here been in the industry for a little over a year. I just had my one year review and the things that my boss liked the most about me was i always show up early, stay late, work overtime and never complain about the jobs given to me. I guess that makes me different from most people at my level these days. My boss said that my dedication to my job is very appropriated and that i have had the best work ethic out of most of the other people that he hired in the past few year's.
Hell yeah man. Why did this guy with this channel congrats on your work. Shows how much he don't care and just wants to be a sack of shit cuz he isn't that smart lol.
Let me translate: Your boss appreciates that you're the easiest to take advantage of and that you don't complain about being overworked and underpaid.
I find this way to be better honestly. Im 17 and recently graduated highschool. Ive been wanting to work on vehicles since i was very young because i was always around that type of stuff seeing that my dad is a mechanic. At his shop the most i’d is service vehicles and watch when they do the harder stuff and nothing’s wrong with that! Its one of the best way to learn, and commit actions to heart. I’ll be moving away next year to start school to become a diesel tech one day, really excited to see how it goes
Don't lessen to this vibe killer. He just being negative.
You have alot of good points a guy that has a snap on box 1/4 full and $20,000 in debt and no experience wants to do stuff they really don’t even know how to do been in it for 10 years and still learning and its right don’t act like you know everything because when it comes down to it your just going to embarrass yourself GOOD VIDEO
I was in tech school and worked at Penske at 18 years old my job was to fuel trucks and check fluid levels,I was sweeping the floor,wiping all the toolboxes, offered to go on part runs and if they could describe what it does and how it plays all together because when I started I didn’t know anything. I was making $16 an hour. I graduated tech school, I got a new job at FedEx as a diesel mechanic and my Penske manager put in a good word for me and got offered $25 an hour starting doing pms, minor such as window regulators I’m 21 still at FedEx and I started doing clutches and now my turn around time is 8 hours. Definitely have to work for it and I love to do this everyday.
An update from a previous comment I made, I am currently going to school to be an aircraft mechanic now. Working on airplanes is a whole different domain, but working your way up is the same as it is in any industry. I recently started working for a family owned company that does aircraft MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul). And my title is "aircraft mechanic apprentice/helper", but when I started they had me sweeping, mopping, scrubbing the entire hangars floor. I didn't mind that at all because I was simply happy to be around airplanes, because that's what I'm passionate about now. With in just one week, the floor went from being full of grit and dirt, to clear and shiny. All the guys were impressed with my work ethic, and that I never once complained. Then one day, the shops IA inspector (inspection authorization) came to me the other day and said to me, "if any of the guys need assistance, then go right for it". And that's what I do now, I'll start my days off by sweeping the floors if there's a mess, and if the guys call my name and need my help, I help them now.
If anyone reads this comment, I want to tell you that working your way up is really the only way to get the best out of your employment now. Because if you're working hard all day, your coworkers will be happy with you, your managers will be happy, and you'll go one step farther up the ladder.
Great advice. I started in a ag diesel shop washing tractors. I washed/detailed tractors for a year before I did my first oil change. I started as a green horn with no degree. Just finished my first transmission work order. Hard work pays off. Well said my man!
I’m really digging your videos. It gives people an idea of what they are getting into and what to expect. I recently just enrolled in a Diesel course trying to get my foot in the door somewhere. I got an automotive certificate in high school and never did anything with it and now I’m trying to get back into the field at 28. Life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to but sometimes you have to play the cards you are dealt.
Never too late to try and better yourself. You said it man. Gotta play your cards. Thank you for watching, and good luck with everything. Any questions feel free to ask.
Great attitude and so true. Im a vocational kid from the late 80s. My first job was on a fuel island for a huge truck leasing company for 3.5 years before becoming an apprentice and truely working on a truck. But I asked a lot of questions and learned. Love your videos. Keep up the good work💪
Love this video, been a mechanic for heavy Truck 25 years now, your so right.
GOOD DOSE OF REALITY !!! Telling it like it is. The world does not owe you as some expect. I started turning wrenches when I was 15 in the mid 50s, am now 81 (retired) and have lived a very good life provided to me and my family by being a Diesel and Hydraulic Mechanic. This only came with a lot of hard work, a willingness to take on whatever task that was needed or assigned, and the desire to continue to learn all I could about my craft. It is a long hard journey but the rewards are well worth the time & effort required. I salute you.
Been a heavy equipment mechanic for twenty eight years. My experience hard work mediocre pay thankless managment and lazy managers riding a desk looking at spread sheets. My body is worn out the pay has never kept up and it is a thankless job. Cleaning up after yourself is one thing but when your told to scrub toilets.Power wash the building and perform maintenance on the building that's another story. I would encourage any young person to go into any other trade than this one. Let's see if he is as upbeat after thirty years and his body is shot and he can't do the work anymore and can't get a job doing anything else.
This is the truth of being an auto/diesel mechanic. The fact you didn't retire within 30 years says everything.
You're treated as less than human by everyone all for low pay..
I started by doing only maintanance on semitrucks ...every day i tried to learn what i can.After 2 years of learning and being persistent now i run the shop for a ready mix concrete company.
Good advice. I did less than 7 months of school. Got a golden opportunity too work and learn at the same time. Been here a month. Im getting better everyday. I bust my ass. I dont mind doing trash. Sweeping, cleaning. They trust me too do different jobs here an there i love it.
Keep up the hard work
Just completed my first week of school. Cant wait to start my new career. After 14 years of machining it seems like a natural transition. Keep the good videos coming dawg!
I'll add to this video, I'll be 30 in two weeks and JUST graduated last May from a diesel program. I changed my career at age 28. Being a tech is about always learning, always bettering yourself and ALWAYS remembering where you came from. I washed buses for two years before I got to do an oil change and a grease job. I went to school, got the HIGHEST GPA in my class and still don't know shit. School is a key to open the door, what you do once you're inside determines your success.
Well said brother. Keep up the hard work.
Congrats on the new trade Travis. I’m in the same boat. 37 in a couple of months and am switching from a lineman to a brand new diesel apprentice and I can’t wait to start at the bottom and learn and grow and work hard! Best of luck to you.
@@TheDieseldog thanks for the awesome and informative videos. Glad to have these for reference and inspiration as I start at the bottom of this trade and journey
Dustin, good luck to you too buddy. Best "advice" I can give is sleep as much as you can and take aspirin. Also, in the diesel world work smart, don't lift drums if you have a motorcycle jack handy. 🤣
@@metalback26 thank you buddy! Haha hopefully I learn to work smart instead of hard in this trade because I definitely didn’t at times in my current trade! How are you liking the trade? Glad you made the switch? I’ve never worked close to home and this job is 20 minutes away. I won’t know what to do with myself! Haha
I’m 26 about to do a career change from trucker to a diesel mechanic. So we will see how it goes but one thing I got going is my father taught me right so I got a strong work ethic!!
"Time to sack up Buttercup"👍 there's so much opportunity out here right now man and not only in this industry but any trade. Being entitled with a bad attitude will ruin your chances anywhere doing any kind of work
Hi, just saw your video. You make some great points. As a former shop owner for 25 years and 5 years as high school auto instructor, I feel the lack of interest in hard work isn't really missing, I just feel the awareness of what to expect is, and the industry's lack of clear description of what the career path looks like. Your point about the expectations the Vocational schools present, like that of starting on engine overhauls day one of the new job is ridiculous. One does have to earn the credentials and work their way up. Nobody fresh in any career starts out as the head person or in full responsibility. The job is hard and much to learn, but its a great career surrounded with great people. For those willing to realize their is a hill to climb may get to see the great view from the top.
Well after sweeping floors for a year as a 15 year old the first thing I was told to on a truck was a complete engine pull and rebuild. Now I do full time diesel work which has included 2 engine rebuilds and 3 engine swaps in 8 months
Best way is to just dig right in. That’s awesome man. Keep up the good work.
I went to school. I’ve been wrenching 7 years and I’m barely getting to the top. I love this field because it’s literally blood sweat and tears . I love being a diesel mechanic. I barely became a fire truck mechanic
Are you doing that flat rate? Or you are paid hourly ? Working 16-20 hours a day is not sustainable. If you are flagging 16-20 hours a day thats different. I’d rather be paid a good hourly amount of 45$ an hour and not have to work 16-20 a day.I’m good just working 8 I enjoy life
@John Brennan and that’s a bad thing why? Work smarter not harder . I make good money at work and on the side . Don’t need to bust my ass for some company that can replace me by another young clown kid that thinks he knows everything. I know my worth . You are just a typical airhead that thinks he knows it all but that’s not the case buddy . If it works for you that’s great
Another problem too is you go to work at some these places and some of the techs are blatantly disrespectful calling you names, talking down to you and talking to you like you’re POS. It’s definitely not very encouraging. I worked at a Honda dealer for like a week and immediately was called a bitch right off the bat and being told I just had to put up with it. I quit immediately. I’m not dealing with that. Ill go work somewhere else
Don’t blame you there.
Awesome video man I’m 21 and getting into the field i did a free college program for 310t and now i have a interview on monday , im confident but nervous as hell . Cant wait to put in some hard work and to learn Thats all i want
Great explanation! It's on point. Starting an entry level diesel mechanic job next week. And im so excited and I even knew what to expect when starting. Shit Id scrub the rims with a tooth bursh for a couple months just to get my foot in the door with this kinda work. I spoke to a manager of a mechanic shop and he said the hardest people to deal with are the young ones fresh out of tech school because they think they deserve top pay right out of school. And what they don't realize is school teaches good stuff. But school moves to fast for you to soak up the information. And it's also not hands on work.
I went to an automotive program at my local community college. I was about 75% through it and then Covid hit so I didn’t finish. Got hired at a shop as a lube tech 4 months ago at 39. I started at the bottom but I work hard help keep the shop clean and every day management keeps giving me bigger jobs. My advice would be to work and go to school at the same time if possible.
I’m having this problem at my shop rn with a couple of new guys that have been only been working with us for like 2 months and they complain because I’m the only one that the shop trust to do diagnostic (the reason they complain is because sometime I’m sitting there thinking on a solution while they change oil they thinking I have it easy) anyways I started at the bottom of the barrel they admired they didn’t pay me correctly when I first started working there out of UTI but I put it the hard work just to work my way up I went as far as working 5am-10pm a month straight basically having no life just to learn my craft sorry for the rant
I can't agree with you more. I'm 16 and work about 35 hrs a week along with going to school full-time, some of the people I work with won't put in the work and it pisses me off. Anyway love your content brother keep it up!!!
Keep up the hard work man. Thanks for watching.
Oil changes, pm and break jobs can make you a whole lot of side money after hours if you're a hustler.
heavy construction mechanic is the best diesel job they take new mechanics straight outta school and do hands on right away i like your motivations and advice cant wait to go to diesel school this month and changing careers at 25 i would like to be a heavy duty construction when i finish school
Well said! I have 3 months until I’m out of school and in the field. I hope I can impress my employers like you did
4 months then i can go back to it
Great advice. Seen them come and go. I’m 23, did the school thing, and just shut up and learned. You ask a tech a question out of 100 you’ll get 100 different answers. Listened to it all and did my own thing. Humbled real quick with the 5.4’s, 6.0’s and all fords shit. But it makes you better.
Great video brother I am in agreement with you I am a journeyman heavy Equipment mechanic my dad taught me a little bit about heavy duty trucks and earthmoving Equipment so I am at the bottom of the totem pole right now doing oil changes and changing water pumps and brakes.i got to start some where thanks for the motivation and I have service manuals on different types of trucks and equipment keep the videos coming I will be certified soon and get my CDL I am also watching equipment repair videos on you tube thanks a lot for the uplift God bless
I’m going to school right now for diesel tech so thank you for the advice. I do understand there will be plenty to learn and experience after I’ve completed school. Work hard play hard
Thanks for this. I was feeling discouraged about my career. It's definitely a lot of hard work, but have to put in the work.
Straight up. Put the work in. I'm going through college and I work side jobs and flip cars on the side.
Gotta be do 👍🏼
HI DIESEL DOG THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO YOU ARE SO CORRECT I AM A HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS HELPER AND I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING MY DAD TAUGHT ME A COUPLE THINGS HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT REPAIR BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY SO I AM STILL LEARNING AND READING SERVICE MANUALS AND WATCHING YOU TUBE VIDEOS SO I AM JUST A ROOKIE IN THIS FIELD SO I GOT A LONG WAY TO GO THANKS FOR THE UPLIFTING MESSAGE AND ENCOURAGEMENT KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING BROTHER GOD BLESS GREETINGS FROM THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN US TERRITORY ST THOMAS
Hey man love the videos! I am a truck and coach tech apprentice in Toronto ontario! I went through school while working at my job. I do my time work hard everyday all ears and no mouth! I am now doing the bigger jobs and take as much hours as I can I average about 60 hours a week. When I applied I told them I would cut the grass clean the floors what ever it takes to get a foot in the door. I am currently 25 and have worked in construction all my career so this is new to me and I love it. Hard to find people with a good work ethic these days man! Your videos really are amazing and your advice helps so much! You should try and do a live Q&A some time man! Looking forward to hearing from you! Cheers!
Doing 60hours a week is crazy. You almost have no life outside work in my opinion. Unless you are young and strong and still can do shit after 12 hours shift.
My first ever job was helping overhaul a 3406 B cat. I can overhaul 3406 B & E’s and C15’s now and I still suck at brake jobs 😂
Great video bud. ive ran into so many TECHS that act like this.hard work does pay off.pushing a broom is part of it.when i started 18 yrs ago after leaving NADC i was put on broom duty for 6 months cuz i was green.now i build engines.dont give up but also dont be a Entitled little B.great vid.
No one wants to train you after schooling?? I hired on a heavy equipment dealer as a wash bay hand started helping the welders than learned to weld they sent me to get certification’s. A mechanic drug up I started helping them the boss sent me out to the field once when everyone else was swamped I knew it was my chance I knocked out a diag and repair and was in my own service truck in field the following year. I now have over 200 hours of training and certifications on diesel engines that was all paid for by the dealer and I was paid to take. I got my current job at a customer of that dealer after they closed their doors.
I applied to Cummins TAP, the process was a joke. The recruiters took days to reply (text) and refused to divulge starting wage. Starting at the bottom doesn't mean employers can treat you poorly.
Man I grew up on farm and never when school I been doing truck and heavy equipment mechanic and been work 3 year in mechanic field I love doing mechanic
It does bother me that people don't want to put in any hard work now a days. I'm currently a student in an automotive class at a local community college, I plan to go into diesel later on. And I intend to work hard to work my way up as a mechanic. Growing up, my dad always taught me the value of hard work, and where it can take you. Nothing can ever get done unless you work hard. Regardless of me starting out by just doing oil changes and having low pay, I'd at least be happy to be in a shop when starting out. I don't really care where or how I start as long as I get to learn something.
I think the problem is that there is nobody seems to appreciate hard work. If I look at reviews of my garage the guy that does talking is getting all the praise when I'm atually doing the hard work. Also hard workers don't even get enough breaks and days off to... regenerate after hard work. I know I sound like a wimp but I would rather work less hours to regenerate than use drugs, cigarettes, coffe, alcohol to keep me going like a lot of people in heavy labour do.
@@grzegorz16100 I fully understand where you’re coming from with the days off. Every hard worker deserves a break after a day of work, especially when you’re doing a lot of heavy lifting. I don’t want to get caught up in any of that bad stuff that will ruin my body either. I’d rather work hard for the whole week, maybe get Fridays off, then work Saturday, and rest on Sunday. Guys that take the credit when they don’t work at all are a bunch of pansies.
Graduate from tech high school and very good in automotive theory but when I went for Diesel apprenticeship...spend I whole year running wrenches errands.....yap that's life
I started as a tire man for 18 wheelers and just worked my way up helping the mechanics here and there and just picking stuff up just learning and learning thats was 10 years ago now im the lead mechanic at my job i work at like you said work hard and just suck shit up
Hell yeah man.
Dieseldog 1988 Garage thing i see and hear all the time is we can start you at say 14.00 a hr the more you learn the more you earn then i hear this that’s not enough money and you think “DUMBASS” you’re making $0 a hour now so anything is better DUMB KIDS Now DAYS
Exactly.
I’m a semi truck driver could I just go learn in my company shop and not go to school? Already have two loans one for hvac and the other for my cdl
Awesome video! Glad to see you still posting! ☕
Hey im currently working in the automotive industry and beginning to get discouraged about my job. I went to school and got straight A’s and only missed one day out my 9 months and started working at a Chevy dealership straight out of college. This company reached out to me and wanted me to work for them and I currently make 21$ an hour and I don’t get paid overtime. I was promised many things before moving to work there and now being there for over a year I’ve only had a 1$ increase in pay from 20$ to 21$. I can go on and on but overall I just am disappointed and expected more than just a 1$ raise in a whole year and I’ve been there and putting in around 5-10 hours in overtime per week and I just never get opportunities for growth in my career. I’m not the smartest but I love working on cars. Been thinking and talking with family about switching jobs and maybe moving to Alaska for work as a diesel mechanic with my wife for example. I don’t have any friends or family in the same field of work to ask for specific advice, If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated. 💯💯
At 19 I graduated from tech school and had a job at a Mercedes-Benz dealership before my school year was over. I worked the summer and quit after 3 months. I would go to the top of the parking garage and try to think of reasons to not jump. Different strokes I guess
Bummer man. I hope you found something you enjoy 🤙🏻 life’s too short to be miserable.
Yes sir I started as a lube tech but I also helped with washing cars and cleaning the shop and helping and learning from journey men that was Hyundai and now I work for Ford working on trucks and still learning
I started out on a farm at 16 working summers and weekends running equipment and changing oils and greasing equipment and what not. At 18 I went to work full time on the farm. And slowly started learning more and more working with the farms mechanic and the outside mechanics that came in. At 25 I quit and went to work at a ag dealership to work on combines, never went to college, worked there for 2.5 years. Was working on everything from gps to planters and tractors and combines. Got offered a job to work on heavy equipment and trucks for a small out fit that used to come out to work on the trucks at the farm when we couldn’t do certain things because of tooling or whatever. I never complained I started out at 10 dollars an hour and did all the grunt work. All the pressure washing. Whatever needed done. Now I am making very good wage with company paid insurance for my family at 28. I worked with guys at the dealership who refused to clean there own mess up and always said let the yard kid do it. One day the yard kid come up to me and asked me why don’t you ever leave your mess for me to clean up? I told him well it’s not your job to clean up after me. Your not my servant. That day on he would always come ask me to show him stuff and help him with things now he works for a boat shop working on boats lol. All it takes is to show respect or give respect and you’ll go a long way in life
Gotta put in the work and show respect. Inspiring story brother, keep up the hard work 👍🏼
@@TheDieseldog thanks man. I was always taught to be patient and work hard good things will come to you. So far it’s been true. Good to see others with the same mind set 👍
Its a culture shock to alot of people when u join the military and you have all this training and first day they have u cleaning bathrooms and common areas
I’ve been a licensed tech in automotive since I was 22 and I’m 35 now and made the move to diesel. Kind of sucks being an apprentice again but you gotta do what you have to do
I worked in automotive for about 4 years. In a couple moths I'm going to apply in a diesel shop. Flate rate sucks.
This video was made 4 years ago. What about the cost of living now, what about the cost of rental and housing? What about the cost of supporting one's self? You HAVE TO START HIGH to make it. Or live out of a beat up bus.
I’m a school based diesel mechanic apprentice in Australia and have been doing it for two years now and I love every job my boss gives me I enjoy just been at work do it right the first time and you won’t have to do it again plus someone has to do it
I'm 33 going on 34 this month (05-29-22). I've been reinvaluating my life and everything that goes with that. The past week I've been seriously considering getting into becoming a diesel mechanic. My mechanic skill is currently are a little bit above average. I know I have way more room to grow. I'm excited because this could be a new career for me. And I know I'm not going to go in any expect to get paid $40 an hour off top. I'll work them all the way up for that. I have no problem which started from the bottom. I know I'll make money. I always end up making money. I'm going to put them to work first. I really want to be good at this. Plus I have a little bit of a leg up. I already have a couple buddies that do this as a career. I'm going to pick their brains clean of their knowledge lol.
I was hired at a truck dealership after answering one particular question. "What do you think about the school you went too?" My response " finishing school proves to you and others just like you that I have the ability to learn the trade. Working next to other expirenced mechanics is what made me a mechanic" I started at $10.25 in a trailer bay on 3rd shift. Ive moved up 4 fold, Get your CDL and get some years under your belt.
LOL stop it 😂😂
Dang bro, Im sorry but that guy sounded like a princess. Its all about your attitude.
I'm 100% in agreement with ya on most of this some times though shops will take advantage of mechanics and pigeon hold them into the oil change and tire game I've had it happen to me but I left and went to a new shop and had to start all over. But like ya said it's all in your attitude keep positive and more importantly keep those wrenches turning.
Everyone’s experience is different. All depends on location and potential opportunities. Just gotta adapt and make it happen.
I started out as a service valet in a dealer, then to shop clean up guy, decided to go to school now I’m a technician doing heavy line and drivability etc.
I graduated from lincoln tech in Nashville and i struggled with this problem as well but i humbled myself i went and worked somewhere else doing long shift hard work to get my stripes in the work force and i came home did my interviews again and improved myself and i got my opportunity and now im employed at cat getting my training and advancing my career it about humbling yourself and throwing arrogance out of the window ied like to say its called maturing and doing what it takes especially if its your dream
I feel you, I graduated from Lincoln tech in Nashville as well. I'm working for MHC Kenworth in Knoxville, I really enjoy what I do for a living.
I got a good job without school, but I had to work at different shitty hard jobs to get experience
I've got twenty years in pulling on a wrench did ag and construction and heavy truck after so many engine overhauls and transmission rebuids and hydraulic pump and cylinder rebuilds and truck differentials I'm looking for just an oil change and sweep the floor
Are you fed up with engine overhaul.
Well said that’s for any job or career
As an owner operator trucker I am tired of driving. I want to pick up the books again and learn to how to become a diesel tech but I dont want a piece of a paper and get into debt from an institution 😓😓
ah, that's why you call it a dying breed 👍
Its not the problem of not wanting to work your way up or not working hard. Its the blatant disrespect. I went to school for welding, went military came out and welded more. I keep hearing old guys saying "i wouldve fought that guy over that" all the time but guess what we dont live in that world anymore. People are sick of assholes is the problem. A lot of people would be willing to do more and learn more if the people around werent assholes and the pay scaled accordingly.
This is a good attitude check thanks I needed this you got my sub
And I learned otj never been to school except for the ones I’ve been sent to by companies worked for
Late to the party but a lot of people don’t know how to be humble. I enlisted right out of high school and one of the most valuable things they teach you is how to be humble and put in the work. It’s like those people who say “I could never be in the military because I’d punch a drill instructor if they got in my face” and i always think yeah you couldn’t be in the military but not for the reason you think lol
Good words man. Thank you for your service.
Never went to school worked my ass off to get were I’m at it’s not perfect but honestly this field is rewarding just got put the time and effort
Cool to hear you are from Illinois
👍🏻👏👏👏👏👍🏻 well put you have 0 reputation when you start at a shop. Good or bad it’s yours to make. You decide your own fate.
Yup did 7 years on a mine site doing nights got lay off n back to the bottom at T/A
Great video. You're like the diesel mechanic big brother.
Love this video and love your Chanel man.
As a kid going to school for this trade , I don’t know not one thing about being a “Mechanic”. Never had anyone in my family do anything of this sort , don’t have friends that are like It either. Soo me going into this trade I want to learn not just for pay check but for the experience, most kids my age go for the cliche “go to college for 2 years” or “get a 9-5 job and figure out what you gonna do with your life” I don’t, I want to get dirty and start from the bottom.
You’re going to do good.
I’m going to school as a diesel tech but feel like I won’t have much experience and feel like joining military and be a mechanic for diesel I know it may sounds backwards but I wanna be good at what I do plus then military benefits
I'm thinking about going to school for it as well but kinda scared about the debt that'll will come with it. Changing oil? I do that on my back for my families' vehicles, not that hard. Starting at the bottom? I don't have a career yet, obviously but I would like to learn new things.
Rn I'm waiting for a response for an application for Apprentice Diesel Mechanic and I'm happy to say I'd enjoy starting out changing oil. After a year of cleaning boats and two years of welding school with no real direction I'm taking up this offer I found cause at least I get paid to learn and will have a job after I finish the apprenticeship.
if you can just get into a tech diesel program and tough it out the 12-15 month program lenght, just skip over the apprentice non sense, if your life allows for schooling
I’m 38 I’ve been working on my own vehicles for a while but I think I’m just gonna become a diesel tech so I could just take care of my family understand it ain’t $100 an hour but hey it’s a decent paycheck
Good advice, I have a ton of work ethic I’m just trying to figure out what career path to choose. Would you recommend diesel tech?
The real truth is you will never get paid 100 a hour unless your independent and you will charge more then that.
Wow good advice thanks!!
Went to school for auto tech vocational degree. Been working express lane for 2 years at a Nissan dealership (part time while in school, been full time since last summer). Wanted to be diesel tech, but next class was a year long wait, so went auto. Anyway to get into diesel work without going back to school for another 18 months? I'm almost 30, married and have a kid. Cant afford to stop and go back to school like that.
Thanks for the advice, very helpful. I am 16 and still debating whether to go into this career or the medical field
Medical.
dont do it, just go medical and do automotive as a hobby, and if you get burnt out or tried of medical. you can also goto a school and knock out a diesel program, it would be much harder to do it the other way around.
So this video was posted about 4 years ago, is this still prevalent today ?
I saw this video about special forces, one soldier said- Everyone wants to be a ninja but they don' t want to sweat.
Food for thought