If you’re interested in pursuing or are working toward a diesel technology degree, there may be some questions about what to do after graduation. Have you considered becoming a small fleet mechanic? This job places you in a vital position to serve your company while building workplace relationships and solidifying a diverse skillset.

NYADI The College of Transportation Technology offers an automotive and diesel technology degree program at our Jamaica, New York campus. Here, we discuss this rewarding path for graduates with diesel technology degrees.

What Do Fleet Mechanics Do?

Many businesses rely on a company-owned vehicle fleet to facilitate smooth operations. These businesses’ efficiency relies on always keeping trucks on the road. If those trucks break down, it results in downtime, lost profits, and decreased trust from dissatisfied customers. Vehicle fleets are foundational to a wide range of industries, including:

• Transportation and logistics
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Construction firms
• HVAC installation companies
• Oil and gas drilling and delivery
• Ambulance centers
• Bus garages
• Road maintenance
• Mail delivery

Fleet mechanics, also called fleet technicians, are the professionals responsible for maintaining their employer’s vehicle fleet. They schedule and perform routine maintenance, communicate with drivers about vehicle performance, diagnose emergent issues, and perform prompt repairs to address problems before they escalate. With their robust knowledge of diesel engines and truck systems, fleet mechanics perform a vital role in keeping their company running smoothly.

Why Work With a Small Fleet?

Businesses maintain fleets of all sizes, depending on their business model and scope. While working with any size fleet can be rewarding, some unique advantages can only be found with a smaller fleet. These are a few of the benefits you can enjoy as a small fleet mechanic after graduating from a NYADI program:

Diverse Work

While fleets of all sizes may include diverse types of vehicles, larger fleets often have the numbers to warrant a specialist for each type. In a smaller fleet, however, you may be one of only a few technicians working on all vehicles. This helps you build a broad skillset in servicing a wide array of truck models and systems. Not only is this interesting, but it also gives you added flexibility if you someday change jobs.

In-Depth Knowledge

In a large fleet, it can be difficult to keep track of the many different vehicles. You may not even service the same vehicle more than once if you work with a large team of other technicians. When working with a small fleet, however, you can develop an intimate familiarity with each truck. This familiarity allows you to understand their needs and recurring issues, enabling more proactive prevention.

Strong Relationships

Small fleet technicians don’t only build familiarity with the trucks. You’ll also get to know your drivers. The close interaction lets you directly give and receive feedback on vehicle performance, helping you target your troubleshooting more effectively. On a personal level, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships and friendships – making the job potentially more rewarding.

Personal Autonomy

Many smaller fleets also offer greater flexibility for their technicians. You’ll be able to control scheduling and make your own decisions regarding preventative maintenance and repairs. This flexibility allows you to prioritize tasks based on urgency, responding to concerns with greater efficiency. You’ll also build confidence in your ability to evaluate and problem-solve beyond simply following instructions.

Opportunity to Learn

A small workplace is the perfect environment for learning. The variety of trucks and tasks, the familiarity with individual vehicles, and the freedom to problem-solve are all valuable opportunities to expand and solidify your skillset. In addition, direct communication with teammates allows you to learn from more experienced technicians – making small fleet work the perfect way to build upon your degree.

Earn Your Diesel Technology Degree at NYADI

Does fleet technician sound like a career you’d like to explore? NYADI is the perfect place to get started. Located in Jamaica, NY, we offer high-quality training programs taught by experienced instructors with the latest technology. Students are given the tools they need to succeed, including financial aid and free assistance earning a GED diploma. Contact an admissions representative today to learn more about our diesel technology degree program or to get started with your enrollment.