What to Expect

Students get into heavy equipment mechanics for many different reasons, but many share a love for the hands-on aspect of the trade.

"When you are in the classroom, taking notes and reading textbooks, it is all kind of vague in your mind," says Rob Turner. He studied heavy equipment mechanics. "It all falls into place very quickly in the shop."

This field is also appealing because of the demand for these workers. "I've always worked on cars and I have a family. I thought this was a good way to support them. There are many job opportunities, almost a 100 percent employment rate," says Turner.

"When I was in high school, my automotive teacher told me about all the new and good things in diesel and the opportunities and pay," adds John Bolden. He took the diesel mechanics program at Albany Technical Institute.

Turner spent about two to three hours per night going over notes, reading and preparing for class. Bolden averaged about 10 hours per week.

"It's a lot of tedious work doing measuring of the cylinders and parts," says Bolden. "But doing the actual tearing down and putting back together is a lot of fun."

How to Prepare

In high school, take shop, math and science -- especially physics. "Physics is probably one of the most applied sciences in this program," says Turner.

He adds that any exposure students can get to computers would be helpful.

"Pay attention," advises Turner. "There's a lot of parts to learn, but don't get discouraged. You have to like it."