At just 20 years old, Kaitlynn Aikin has carved an inspiring path as a diesel technician, shattering stereotypes and proving that determination and passion can overcome any challenge. A technician at Southeastern Freight Lines’ Fort Worth service center, Aikin’s journey is a testament to resilience, critical thinking, and the power of pursuing one’s passion.
A Journey Into Diesel Tech
Aikin didn’t always envision herself as a diesel technician. Initially planning to enter law enforcement, she explored automotive maintenance and repair in high school as a fallback option. However, her hands-on experiences with heavy-duty trucks and equipment ignited a passion that would shape her career. A summer job working on excavators, tractors, and boats cemented her love for the field, leading her to pursue formal training at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Texas.
Her skills quickly gained recognition, landing her a job at Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) after her first interview. Aikin was drawn to SEFL’s supportive culture and values, which prioritize both internal teams and customer satisfaction. “I didn’t care what I was doing; I just wanted to work here,” she recalls.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
As one of the few women in diesel tech—only 4% of technicians are female, according to Women in Trucking’s WIT Index—Aikin has faced her share of skepticism. But she views every challenge as an opportunity to prove her capabilities. Whether being named a “Top Tech” at SEFL’s Professional Technician Development Training or tackling complex repairs, Aikin thrives on competition and personal growth.
Her approach is rooted in positivity and a commitment to education. When met with doubt, she explains, “I am just as capable. It’s a very enjoyable job, and I’m just as good as a man is.”
Mind Over Muscle: Leveraging Critical Thinking
While physical strength can be an advantage in diesel tech, Aikin has learned to adapt through innovative thinking and teamwork. For heavy lifting, she collaborates with colleagues, while her smaller frame allows her to access tight spaces in trucks more easily. Her role often involves preventive maintenance services (DPMs), which include tearing down and rebuilding trucks at their half-life, typically 500,000 miles.
The ever-evolving technology in modern trucks also excites Aikin. She emphasizes the importance of mastering electrical diagnostics and emissions aftertreatment systems, noting how advancements in technology challenge technicians to continuously learn and adapt. “The industry is constantly changing and growing,” she explains, making it critical for technicians to stay ahead of the curve.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Aikin’s story is not just about personal success but also about paving the way for others. She hopes to transition into management someday, using her experience to mentor new technicians and encourage more women to join the field. For young women considering a career in diesel tech, her message is clear: “Just go for it. You might feel like you’re in the deep end at first, but it gets better as you learn and find your strengths.”
Aikin’s journey exemplifies how grit, passion, and critical thinking can redefine what’s possible in traditionally male-dominated industries, inspiring a new generation of diesel technicians to follow in her footsteps.
Source:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10233764/mind-over-muscle-a-young-womans-diesel-tech-success-story
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