If you’re looking for a career change following the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. As many people have seen and felt during the pandemic, not every job offers the security, flexibility, or fulfillment that they’re looking to gain from an occupation. As such, more and more people are outright leaving their jobs rather than returning to the office. Obviously, this makes for a time where immense change is possible; however, how can you figure out what change you’re interested in and what might be the best option for you moving forward?
One thing to note from the pandemic is that many jobs deemed “essential services” didn’t seem to slow down consumer demand, even during the worst of the pandemic. As such, you may want to think about essential workers and which jobs sound appealing to you as you consider a career change. For example, if you’re interested in cars and electrical systems, it might be worth considering becoming a diesel technician. That being said, in order to become an automotive technician, you need to learn about diesel technology, diesel engines, and how to provide automotive service excellence. While becoming a technician isn’t something that will happen overnight, here are three tips to help get the ball rolling for you.
1. Enroll in a certificate program to get hands-on technical skills.
If you want to build up the technical skills in automotive technology that you might not have (but certainly need) to be a diesel mechanic, it makes sense to seek out a diesel technology program. An Automotive and Diesel Technology program can give you all of the hands-on experience you need in order to learn about a vehicle’s electronic system, transmissions, brakes, suspension system, steering, and more. Whether you’re interested in automotive or truck mechanics (or even tractors for that matter) learning about automotive technology in an automotive program can give you the right skills, program content, and certificate necessary to transition into this career field.
2. Start networking while you’re in your certificate program.
Just because you’re currently building out your knowledge and technical skills in an educational institution with an instructor doesn’t mean that you can’t start making connections with others in the field. While you work on achieving your technical certificate, consider knocking on the doors of independent repair shops and other mechanics to start building out your network of contacts in the diesel mechanic and transportation industry. This way, you’ll have a network able to support you and provide leads on available jobs once you’ve made it through all of your program content. Many technical certificate programs will be able to help you find available jobs, too, but it never hurts to build upon that existing network on your own while you work to gain competency with various technical skills in your automotive technology program.
3. Make sure to work out!
Working as an automotive technician goes beyond just understanding how to diagnose a problem or even the extent of your repair skills. Working as a diesel technician is a physical job, and you’ll likely spend a lot of time underneath cars, leaning over the hoods of vehicles, and in tight areas. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to lift heavy tools and equipment. As a result, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re exercising and building up muscle so that your body is equipped for the physical needs of specific occupations like diesel repair. If you’re working on your cardio, too, you may want to look into a running track repair guide to ensure that the running track you’re running on has the right thickness and friction to help you reduce the risk of injuries while running. Mixing cardio and strength training together can get you in the best shape possible.