NEXT PROS: Nick Hockenberry, Diesel Technician

Jacob Slaton

“I was able to find a job in my career right out of high school with good benefits, good pay and good hours. I also had training and two years of experience in my career before I even got done with school.” – Nick

Nick Hockenberry

High school: Gentry High School Conversion Charter | Age: 19 | Where I trained: Diesel Technician Program through Gentry High School Conversion Charter and on-the-job training at McKee Foods Corporation | What I earned: Certificate in Heavy Duty Truck Technology | Job title: Truck Technician | Employer: McKee Foods Corporation in Gentry

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.

“Every day is not the same thing over and over again. There is always something new to learn. I am able to apply the things I know and find my own ways of completing a job.” - Nick

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.

• Tire repair.

• Clutch adjustment or replacement.

• Perform wheel end maintenance and repair.

Job Outlook

+12%
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas.

320
Average annual job openings in Arkansas.

3,440
Jobs in Arkansas by 2026.

"There is always something new to learn. I am able to apply the things I know and find my own ways of completing a job. I can level up by getting certain certifications and meeting requirements to do so. Once I become a ‘topped out’ technician, there are supervisor positions." –Nick on upward mobility

This option is for you if:
√ You have a passion for fixing things.
√ You love playing with the latest technology.
√ You thrive in a changing work environment.
√ You have a sharp attention to detail.
√ You’re a team player.
√ You can keep a clean work area

High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$57,000

Median wages in Arkansas
$38,610 Annual
$18.56 Hourly

START YOUR TRAINING

Arkansas State University–Beebe

Arkansas State University–Mid-South

Arkansas State University–Newport

Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus

East Arkansas Community College

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith–College of Applied Science & Technology

University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology – McGehee

University of Arkansas Cossatot