• You can learn how to repair diesel engines in trains.diesel special image by longtall_chris from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the 2010-11 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median wage for a diesel mechanic in 2008 was $18.94. If you pursue formal training in a diesel engine mechanic school, earning opportunities like this are expected to be very good, with continued growth expected in the automotive repair and freight trucking industries. As a diesel engine mechanic (also known as a diesel service technician) you may work on trains, buses, trucks, bulldozers, tractors and other heavy vehicles. School will also help you prepare for the computerized and high tech changes affecting this industry (see Reference 1).
  
  

WyoTech

• The Diesel Technology program at WyoTech provides a hands-on experience with various diesel engines. The program includes core classes on engines, power trains, engine management systems and power and electrical systems. You'll also get to choose a concentration to gain more specialized knowledge. For example, in the Light-Duty Diesel concentration you'll learn how to repair diesel engines in consumer trucks and study the engines from Powerstroke and Cummins. They also teach climate control, dynamometer use and transmission repair. In the Advanced Diesel concentration you'll go into brakes, air systems, front ends and starting systems. You can complete the Diesel Technology program in as few as nine months.
  
  WyoTech
  500 Innovation Drive
  Blairsville, Pa., 15717
  724-459-9500
  www.wyotech.edu
  
  

North American Trade Schools

• North American Trade Schools diesel mechanic program will cover subjects like: diesel engine design, induction exhaust, power train concepts and lubrication systems. Students within the program are separated into small groups and as a team you'll also learn how to troubleshoot an engine, provide maintenance and even rebuild equipment. You can receive your completion certificate within nine months.
  
  North American Trade Schools
  6901 Security Boulevard, Suite 16
  Baltimore, Md., 21244
  800-638-5490
  www.natradeschools.com
  
  

Lincoln Technical Institute

• Lincoln Technical Institute provides a multi-course education through their Diesel Technology Program. You'll start off with classroom lectures on diesel drive trains, transmissions, brake systems and power dividers. Then you'll get your hands dirty diagnosing, taking apart, repairing and tuning engines from Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit and Mack. The program lasts anywhere from 12 months, if you take daytime classes, to 24 months, for evening students. They also have an advanced Diesel/CDL Technology module that lasts another three months. There you'll learn how to use a computer to diagnose engine problems, plus you'll see what it takes to get your CDL license.
  
  Lincoln Technical Institute
  97 Newberry Road
  East Windsor, Conn. 06088
  800-243-4242
  www.baraninstitute.com