Programs in diesel technology prepare students to repair and service diesel engines. Students learn to fix transmissions, brakes, and other vehicle systems. They also learn how to rebuild engines. They learn to repair and maintain vehicles such as buses, trucks, and construction equipment.

Recently, there's been a lot of attention given to "alternative" fuels. For various reasons, more people are concerned with what they put into their vehicle. One fuel growing in popularity is "biodiesel." Biodiesel refers to processed fuels that can be used in place of regular diesel. However, biodiesel isn't actually new. In fact, the inventor of the diesel engine, Rudolph Diesel, demonstrated his engine at the 1900 world fair. His fuel? Peanut oil. Diesel invented the engine in 1892 - over a century ago! One of his design features was to make the engine able to run a variety of fuels.

Many vehicles rely on diesel engines because they are long-lasting and powerful. The internal-combustion engine invented by Rudolph Diesel has always been more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered engine that powers most cars. For that reason, diesel engines are used in a lot of other vehicles, from bulldozers to tugboats. They also provide power for generators. And they provide jobs for technicians (or, if you prefer, mechanics) who are trained to fix and maintain them.

If you were holding this job, you would probably want to be called a technician, and with good reason. The technology of diesels has advanced to the extent that the work is not entirely mechanical. You need to understand sophisticated electronic controls and instruments. You need to use computerized diagnostic equipment. At the same time, you need to be skilled with hand tools. You need to understand how the mechanical parts of the diesel vehicle work together, including drive trains, hydraulics, and brake systems.

In some places, you still may be able to learn entirely on the job through informal training. But such opportunities are becoming rare. Repair shops and vehicle dealers generally want you to have some formal training. You may get this in a vocational high school program or in a certificate program that takes from six months to two years after high school. The quality of these programs varies widely. It helps to look for programs approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

You may also get training in the military. The armed forces use a large number of vehicles and diesel generators, so they need to train specialists to do the maintenance and repair work.

Another option is to study at a community or technical college and earn an associate degree. This normally takes two years of full-time study beyond high school. The program includes some liberal arts courses. It may help prepare you for later moving into management. Keep in mind that not all programs offered at colleges are for a degree. Many are for certification, instead.