Mechanics Certificate: Will it help?

go to college! trucking will always be around

 

No it wont help you with an otr job but it would be a fall-back career if something unforeseen happened. eg. you lose your cdl for whatever reason.

I'm half way through the heavy diesel tech program and have decided to just go otr instead of finishing it out, but I'm 40 and have to start earning money. If I were your age I'd definitely stick out college and at least get a 2yr AAS plus get all your generals out of the way in case you want to pursue something else later in life.

 

The only thing they count as experience is over the road driving. You won't even be able to get an over the road job once you are old enough. You will have to go back through school for a refresher course.

Either you were hard headed or the school recruiter really took advantage of you! Right now its tough for experienced drivers to get local jobs let alone the inexperienced! Not sure where you live but if there is a mega-carrier in your home state you can maybe turn wrenches for them and possibly make local deliveries and or shuttle trailers. When you turn 21 maybe they will cut you loose over the road.

 

All true I got my cdl class A and since did not drive for few years need a refresher course now.

 

With the way the new rules are now, hell I would have to take a refresher and I have been driving for 16 years most of those owner operator! Its just the way the insurance companies work.

 

for my state they use to give loans to take the classes but most school lower the hours need it to qualify for student loan.

Good luck pensfan

 

might not help with getting hired but one would guess once you are a driver it would be of great help since you know your vehicle as well as the people that fix it. and would help if you could explain to the maintenance people what is wrong ect. ive been in the diesel field for over 10 years. its a great career and always needed.

i understand your desire to go OTR though

 

Ya, one day you will make a good owner operator!

I personally believe you should know the ins and outs of your truck. That's a professional driver!

 

What college program?

Knowing the mechanics of a truck will help you with keeping your truck in great running condition. Which translates to no worries when getting pulled in for an inspection.

Mikeeee