- Employers want heavy equipment mechanics working on their machines to know what they are doing, since many machines have a price tag ranging from $100,000 to more than $1,000,000. Not only can experience get a mechanic a job, it can also increase his bargaining power for wages.
- Community colleges and technical schools offer associate's degrees and certificates in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics. They provide experience working on different types of heavy equipment as well as different brands. Many of these programs have internship and work experience opportunities, which allow students to work in the field while still attending school. Experience gained during an apprenticeship and a degree are qualifications many employers seek.
- Companies and business seek out heavy equipment mechanics with a commercial driver's license (CDL). This allows them to operate heavy equipment machines on public roads, which is often a requirement of mechanics to ensure they have properly repaired and serviced the equipment before it is put back in the work field. In addition, mechanics with a CDL can also haul and transport broken-down heavy equipment from the work site to the shop for repairs using a semi and flatbed trailer.
- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides certification for heavy equipment mechanics. Certification is granted after an applicant passes written exams on various aspects of heavy equipment mechanics. The test can be taken and certification granted after an applicant has spent two years working in the field as a mechanic.
- Heavy equipment mechanics must be in good physical condition to meet the physical requirements and qualifications of the job. The majority of their day is spent on their feet moving around, and they frequently do heavy lifting. In addition, mechanics with a CDL must pass a physical exam to obtain their license.
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