Ty Marshall
High School: Benton High School  •  Age: 24
Training: On-the-job with the Riggs Caterpillar Prep Program through Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT)
Degree: Associate Degree in Diesel Tech
Employer: Riggs Caterpillar in Little Rock

"When I was done with my on-the-job training, I had enough college credits to have an associate degree! I enjoyed that my schooling was like going to work. I like working on equipment and fixing things, so it didn’t seem like school."

THIS OPTION IS FOR YOU IF...

√ You enjoy fixing things
√ You love playing with the latest technology
√ You thrive in a changing work environment

Job Outlook
+9%
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in the United States

100x
more biodiesel produced in the U.S. now than 10 years ago

What does a diesel technician do?
Diesel technicians inspect, maintain, repair and care for diesel engines. Some diesel technicians specialize in a specific type of vehicle. When commercial transportation has malfunctions, they diagnose the problems and find solutions.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and drive vehicles to troubleshoot problems
• Use diagnostic equipment and interpret results
• Perform routine maintenance such as changing the oil and aligning the wheels
• Repair any malfunctions in the equipment or replace parts
• Communicate with customers
• Utilize charts to plan work procedures

MORE FROM TY

“I was able to pay off my debt quickly because I’m making more per hour than most. I’ve been able to buy a new toolbox and a new four-wheeler. I was also able to move out of my parents’ house into an apartment for the first time.”

High-end earners (top 10%) make
$73,967

Median Wages in the U.S.
$45,326 - Annual | $19.60 - Hourly

TRAINING PROGRAMS
Arkansas State University–Mid-South
Arkansas State University–Beebe (Searcy Campus)
East Arkansas Community College
Northwest Technical Institute
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Riggs Caterpillar
University of Arkansas-Cossatot

READY TO HIRE YOU!
Arkansas Trucking Association
Caterpillar
Maverick Transportation
McKee Foods Corporation
Nucor Steel Arkansas
Nucor-Yamato
Riggs Caterpillar
Tyson Foods

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  / Be Pro Be Proud  /  PayScale  /  Megan Dunlap

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