Diesel Mechanic Internship vs. Apprenticeship: What’s the Difference?

If you’re interested in a career as a heavy equipment or diesel mechanic, there are more than a few ways to get started. 

Whether you’re in high school, currently in a diesel technology program or looking to change careers, internships and apprenticeships can help you enter this field. 

But which is right for you? Are you in a position where starting with an internship makes sense, or would an apprenticeship at a local company be better?

At RDO Equipment Co., our Access Your Future (AYF) service internship and apprenticeship programs create paths for entering this profession through hands-on, paid training and full-time experiences. 

As a recruiting program manager at RDO, I connect people like you with these positions at an RDO location near them. 

In this article, I’m going to explain the difference between a diesel mechanic internship and a diesel mechanic apprenticeship so you can decide which is right for you and decide on your next steps.

What is a Diesel Mechanic Internship?

A diesel mechanic internship is a part- or full-time experience where a mechanic can join a company’s service department for a period of time. Often, these internships are given to students to complement the things they’re learning in school. 

For example, high school students with a passion for diesel technology may participate in an internship as time allows. 

It’s also very common for technical college students studying things like diesel/automotive mechanics, agricultural technology or a related degree program to intern while in school.

What Does a Diesel Mechanic Intern Do?

As interns, mechanics spend time applying what they’re learning in the classroom. 

With the goal of immersing them in as much of the job as possible, interns work alongside other members of the shop to assist with repairs, perform inspections, fill out work orders and, above all, learn. 

Throughout their internships, interns may learn any number of repair techniques and machine systems, including: 

• Hydraulics (common in heavy equipment)
• Diesel engines
• Electrical
• Fuel systems
• Brakes
• Suspension and air conditioning
• Drive trains

Interns are typically paired with a technician for mentorship throughout their internship. This person will be with them to answer any questions they have, help them solve problems and teach them the “tricks of the trade.” 

Typically, diesel technician interns work in the shop whenever their school schedule allows them to. For high school students, this might be in the summer. For those attending a technical school, this could be 1-5 days a week at various times of day. 

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What is a Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship? 

Apprenticeships are full-time employment opportunities for diesel technicians just entering the trade. These positions/programs are a great starting point for people of many backgrounds. 

There are a few reasons a technician may start their career in an apprenticeship program. 

1. They are fresh out of a mechanic program at a technical institution and didn’t do an internship while in school. 
2. They have graduated from a technical college, completed an internship and are now rolling into a full-time apprenticeship program. 
3. They are entering the diesel mechanic profession after time spent in a different field and need to develop their skills, receive training and learn in a real shop environment. 

Apprenticeships are often the first step in many diesel mechanic careers. Depending on the situation and how motivated the technician is, an apprentice can become a professional mechanic in less than two years.

What Does a Diesel Mechanic Apprentice Do?

Diesel mechanic apprentices are asked to do a lot of the things other technicians do. This includes troubleshooting, diagnostics, performing repairs, filling out work orders, participating in training and inspecting machinery. 

The tasks an apprentice technician is asked to complete are often less complex than those of more experienced mechanics. 

While apprentices learn and grow, much of their time is spent working alongside other technicians and doing training. 

As they progress and get more confident, more and more of their time is spent independently. A diesel apprenticeship aims to get the mechanic acclimated to their role and give them opportunities to learn.

Should You Do an Internship or an Apprenticeship as a Mechanic?

Depending on where you’re at in your career, either an internship or apprenticeship could make sense. 

Internships are more geared toward current students. If that’s you, finding an internship at a company in your area to complement what you’re learning in class might be worth considering. This will help you apply what you’re being taught and give you an idea of what a career as a diesel mechanic could mean. 

Alternatively, if you’re a soon-to-be or recent graduate from a technical or associates degree program, consider an apprenticeship. This could also be a good move if you want to transition from another line of work. 

Try RDO’s Access Your Future Service Programs

RDO is proud to provide robust internship and apprenticeship programs to help people become successful, professional mechanics. 

Learn more about our AYF programs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out here.