How To Breakthrough And Get Started As A Heavy Duty Apprentice

So we got a comment asking about how to get into heavy equipment repair. We love comments like these so here's your favorite heavy-duty mechanic dishing out some sage advice on how to get started as a heavy-duty apprentice.
Anyone who has been thinking about switching industries to heavy equipment repair or looking into heavy-duty apprenticeships this one is for you!
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Sage advice from industry experts. An assortment of random tips, tricks, and hacks for the heavy duty mechanic.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER ⚠️
Any information on heavy equipment operation available at this channel is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a qualified heavy equipment instructor. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. If you intend to operate heavy equipment, always ensure you meet the legal permitting requirements based on your geographic location.
Although TekamoHD takes all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the KZbin Channel are accurate and up-to-date, all information contained on it is provided ‘as is’. TekamoHD makes no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained on this channel. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, TekamoHD shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content available on this channel, regardless of the accuracy or completeness of any such content.
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[@TekamoHD]

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[@kervsuperb9703]

You hit the nail on the head, Cam. I started off washing both on-road and off-road heavy equipments for the mechanics before they work on them. Got the opportunity to help out the mechanics in the shop. Service manager decided to sign me up for apprenticeship program. Put in my hours and training. Took the necessary tests and the rest is history.

[@TekamoHD]

Right on brother! We all have to start somewhere.

[@MUSICLYRICS-ku8et]

​@@TekamoHDassistant. I don't work alone because I don't have confidence, that's why I don't work alone . I do just a little jobs alone. I really like this field. We don't have training centers in Libya Unlike the US & Canada you find training centers in every place. ❤❤

[@MUSICLYRICS-ku8et]

I am Mohamed and I am from Libya I work as heavy equipment mechanic assistant. I don't work alone because I don't have confidence, that's why I don't work alone . I do just a little jobs alone. I really like this field. We don't have training centers in Libya Unlike the US & Canada you find training centers in every place. ❤❤

[@Magic_pancake355]

Damn straight started as a shop hand, cleaning the shop, other peoples tools, wiping grease off the floor and i gradually up the ladder. 13 years later and almost triple ticketed 🤘🤘

[@stevenslate838]

I'm a heavy duty mechanic working at a John Deere dealer in the states. I wish there was some way that we could adopt an apprentice system here. It would be extremely helpful to have an apprentice with me when I'm out in the field, it seems like it would also help with the high turnover rate. I'm generally pretty pessimistic about the future of our industry in the United States, the wages have stagnated and young people do not want to be mechanics anymore.

[@vordevan258]

CAT has think big but even with that program its hard to retain those guys. 6 months in and they find a job where they make a dollar more and kick off for it

[@stevenslate838]

@@vordevan258 My dealership has an "apprentice" program, but it's just getting kids from tech school to to PDI and they usually quit after about 4 months. A true apprenticeship like they do in Canada and Europe would be a godsend for field mechanics, it would give you the help needed to be more efficient and give young men an actual real life education with support from veteran technicians.

[@erikrobles5727]

The younger generation doesn’t want to do anything

[@saintsarecoming13]

Things do look pretty dismal in the staffing department I agree, but when I was looking for a job I had people blowing up my phone for jobs I never even applied for offering me $10 more than I was getting paid where I was working. I have basically no equipment experience but I've been doing highway trucks since right out of high school and I specialize in engines so my knowledge applies in a lot of places. The bright side of this is that the business doesn't seem to be slowing down and techs are a hot commodity from what I've seen so if your current employer won't give raises you can remarket yourself and someone will give you what you want if you show up and work.

[@wpboss9805]

I just got my first job at jhon deere a month ago ( quit after 3 weeks ) I was a helper, went to school 2 get an associates for diesel mechanic ( barely starting my 6 week externship) Ofc Ik I have no experience and lil knowledge so I applied as a helper. I got put to just change spindles for the cotton pickers... utter torture, repetition all day for 2 weeks straight. Manager was not a nice guy, man's yelled at everyone for no good reason at all and cussed me out because I couldn't hear wht he was saying across the shop. so I quit. all the guys there agreed tht it was probably best 4 me 2 quit because we all agreed he wasn't gonna move me anywhere 2 learn more and gain experience. Rn school put me in a small semi shop. So let's see how tht goes... I'm really interested in the heavy equipment side. I wanna start a rental business 1 day. But ima need more experience and money ofc.

[@everytoolashammer9427]

I got my first job working on heavy equipment because I was a Ford mechanic and they had a fleet of literally broke down f350-f750 trucks no one would fix. Good lord is the grass greener on this side. Not cleaner, but GREENER if ya know what I mean bois

[@kdenn5347]

One of the best industries to get into I went to school for diesel mechanics for 1 year in a accelerated program to get an associates degree and worked for a underground Mining contractor (RedPath) when I finished school I was making 140k a year just starting out as a luber and I proved to be a hard worker and they had me in the shop in no time. I’m 21 right now and if there anything I’ve learned is that you need to work hard in this industry and you need to make good connections with the higher ups because they can judge your future in this industry. Keep in mind this was a contractor and underground job and most places will not pay this much for just starting out.

[@p_roduct9211]

Hey, any advice for a lady who wants to become a diesel mechanic? Is the environment always going to be like an industrial setting?

[@zorthomis6497]

Great advice! I took a different route as I have no mechanical background so I’m currently going through trade school. I’m glad I’ll graduate next year with my 720 hours of trade school training here in Ontario, and after this summer I’ll have about 400 hours to my apprenticeship. Thanks for your videos and inspiring my career change. Loving it so far! Thanks for being awesome!

[@TekamoHD]

The mines treating you well Oz?

[@zorthomis6497]

@@TekamoHD absolutely! My contract is over at the end of august and I’m sad! I just wanna get back in there and learn more! It’s been awesome!

[@p_roduct9211]

Hey, I'm in Ontario too. Do you have advice on a woman interested in doing this? After say a few decades, what does the end of the mile career look like? Can heavy duty mechanics open their own company eventually and work as a solo contractor to pick jobs? I want to move up to a semi-rural area 3 hrs North of Toronto ... Just not sure if Heavy Duty Mechanic work is immune to recessions either. tia

[@alexschmitz8111]

That’s how I was able to get my foot in the door at a mine for the first time. I mainly only worked on over the road trucks but wanted to get into the heavy equipment field. I applied for a position at a local mine and didn’t get the position first time though. The manager told me he would still like to hold onto my information for future positions that might come up. I think called once or twice a week for 6 months until the one day he told me he just got approval to add another guy and offered it to me on the phone at that moment. I think he just got tired of me calling every week.

[@sneakdza]

Been an auto tech for last 6-7 years, about to start my apprentice position at Caterpillar later this month 😬 nervous but excited

[@almightyracing]

That’s my thing I’ve been in auto for a while now I don’t want to go to washing equipment. And sweeping the floors from wrenching everyday and having invested all this money in tools

[@Mr1337sheep]

If you want a more 21st century approach to this same mentality I got my first job as a union apprentice (HVAC) just by messaging anyone with the title of foreman/manager/supervisor/human resources at the large contractors and asking them if I could send them my resume. Eventually my resume got put in front of the right person and I got a job.

[@salo1808]

“Go there prepared to work” that would of been useful when I went to my job interview at my current shop. I went to my interview clean with a button up shirt and nice pair of pants. Did my interview and my boss says “we’ll Can you help me out with a job at the air port?” Needless to say I ended up doing a break job on a tug 🤣😂 if I would of known he was gona put me to work after my interview, I would of brough my coveralls. I’m almost 4 years in and loving it

[@TekamoHD]

Haha! Awesome man glad to hear you're loving the industry. For anyone else reading this, Sal's got a sweet f'ing truck.

[@teabola]

Wash bay kid here. Shops are all in for giving green guys like me a chance and I can say that I'm having an absolute blast. 50% washing, 50% doing everything else. Not bad at all.

[@TekamoHD]

Glad you’re enjoying it. It’s a great industry

[@Dcalvert92]

I’m 6 years in, Field Service at a CAT dealer. I got my start in a tear down bay at a small powertrain shop. You have to be driven. Talk directly with the service manager or owner of the company. Be your own advocate. Never stop learning, read the manuals and watch videos weekly. Show up everyday on time and give it your best. Be honest about the mistakes you make (you will break shit) and don’t half ass anything. Integrity goes a long way with customers and management.

[@Terry_Baker]

Great advice for beginners Cam !

[@jordanstaal01-107]

One way I worked my way up is when I was unsure how to do a job, I called someone who did. Telling me over the phone the step by step process or a PDF File emailed of the service manual. If one person from a dealership isn’t willing to help, keep calling someone even if you reach out to someone out of state/province, someone is willing to help by providing repair procedure/diagnostics.

[@johnvillanueva1240]

currently a student in diesel mechanic in houston cant wait to work on heavy equipment when I graduate

[@TannerSykes]

Started working on caterpillar equipment when I was 12 as an apprentice with my stepdad. Worked with him for about 6 years. When I turned 18 I joined the US Air Force. Spent the last 6 years in Aviation as an Aircraft Mechanic for various aircraft. I applied last week for a position at Warren Cat (Oklahoma Caterpillar). Feeling a bit intimidated by the Trade because I’ll be working out on my own, but also confident because I’ve been a mechanic for 12 years. Those first 6 years was just an apprentice that cleaned parts and was basically a tool runner. I still learned a lot. I think once I get going again in the Heavy Duty Trade again it’ll all come back.

[@shawner456]

Awesome video! My first job in the trade was working for the same company as Cam, great teacher!

[@Graveltrucking]

The only way you get into this trade is to know people in the trade, its how I learned I know HD mechanics I started learning when I was in my 20s helping out pitching in all for free. You have to learn skills I kept learning over the years I worked for myself and in excavating. I knew early on I wasn't going to make HD mechanic my career. I'm in my mid 40s I pull wrenches when I need to, I have enough skills under my belt to repair and diagnose problems.

[@saintsarecoming13]

thats for sure. I got in by just showing up and asking. if you're persistent and you show them that you want in and you're serious eventually someone will take you.

[@opforfmj]

I’m gonna show up to your shop with a lunch pale and a thumb wrench cam. Old school mentality

[@SlipknotGuy009]

I've worked on Tractors, ATVs, Mini Exs and Skidsteers at a private business for 2 years now as the Equipment Manager (got the job with 10 years experience using the equipment). I've had interviews at a bunch of Truck & Trailer shops now to start a Heavy Duty Technician ticket, they always tell me that they hired the Journeyman who applied instead. Really want to work on Heavy Equipment as its 50% of my job already. Without the pay, or the hours going towards a ticket. Thanks for the advice, I will keep going.

[@jessefrank870]

Ironworker @ 45 an hour here. I'm willing to go poor for a few years, or as long as it takes to get into HDM. I have no experience with any kind of vehicles, not even just the basics, or anyone to guide me through the process. But I just submitted an application to get better grades and off to a college. Idk if Im doing it the right way, but if I trust the process I am sure I will meet people along the way!

[@babyhueking4280]

I work at a cat dealer and my first spot was in the wash rack and from there to the lube tech. I’m currently in the shop you definitely have to start low if your green you’ll learn so much on your way up.

[@TheUGAFAN24]

SCR Failures keep the dealer techs pretty busy around here. Can’t imagine an apprentice would be much use on a 10 minute sensor remove and replace. They could run interference for the mechanic while he resets the computer. As an operator, my job is closer to Cams’ than any of the dealer techs I see. I see dealer techs in 250k rigs sit in Atlanta traffic for 3-4 hours a day do one service. At some point realize they have one 5 gallon jug of hydraulic oil and head for home. Then somebody from the dealer sends a text at 8pm saying the mechanic will be back in the morning. The mechanic left at 4. And the shop is full of hydraulic oil.

[@Sean-bp6xb]

Good advice! Watching from Ontario Canada

[@TekamoHD]

Hey Sean nice to see you again

[@caidenzagala7420]

Goin through my apprenticeship training program for a HDR. I have 2 weeks left. Its nice to get into 701 local union at 18

[@Sneakyjoe69]

In America we call that nepotism . And your best bet is to get into one of the union for heavy duty repair “hdr” local 12

[@avrdr2067]

@ 1:23 kinda planning the same thing, but planning to do both. Joining the airforce reserves while I go schooling for HD mech

[@oldpete3153]

Many years ago I worked for an outfit and every Friday at quitting time a young guy would show up and ask the owner if there was a job opening. The owner was polite and said no, we'll this guy showed up every Friday at quitting time for about 6 weeks. Finally the boss said to him that he was tired of the Friday routine and told the young man to be early to work on Monday as if he was that persistent chances were he was going to be a good fit.

[@carvkid]

The Marine Corps volentold me to be a heavy equipment mechanic and now I'm 7 years in and have tool debt

[@truthjustice4089]

The farming industry is a good way to get experience alone with landscaping companies

[@overtenemy69]

next Q&A should be based on starting out and surviving as a contractor running your own truck. you should get the owner of Wildcat Heavy Duty to do it he is pretty funny and a self made guy

[@tacklebox6239]

Agree with the Camster!!

[@myinfo3406]

I got my start working at a landfill as a labor than helping out the mechanics.

[@AbdulKarim-yb5hw]

Hahaha 😂😂😂 you are great bro. I am also heavy duty mechanic in Saudi Arabia

[@podlfksduesfe2539]

Shoot here I am can’t even get on with a job to jump start with my career because “ I have no experience” . I am desperate to start my career . I completed my heavy and light line certificates in diesel technology. It seems relocating is the answer .

[@andrewcoffey4694]

I left my career as an airline aircraft technician for a career as a heavy equipment technician for a Caterpillar dealership. A little less money, but much higher quality of life

[@user-mu5rb5wy7p]

I’m pretty green when it comes to Heavy Duty Mechanic, I see so many job posts about it and it’s in high demand in here canada. I want to be in this career but there seems to be very difficult find a company willing to take me in as an apprentice. What advice do you have on this?

[@juchunkura]

Living in Burnaby B.C. Canada. Looking for a job career as heavy equipment operator. I want to ask one question. Does company provide a heavy equipment workers? or should buy or rent it from them?

[@Incitruswetrust]

Dude your a legend

[@TekamoHD]

he sure is

[@goawayjukloph2063]

Yeah it's hard to get in I had to build a kick ass resume with references for 6 years before I got in got in a short on road shop and now I am finally on off road 🤙

[@TekamoHD]

Nice! Which make and models you primarily wrenching on?

[@goawayjukloph2063]

@@TekamoHD I work on cat,John Deere,Komatsu JCB , rebuilding long block on John Deere loader, right now when I am waiting on parts I keep working on a cat track skid steer that caught fire need everything from new injection pump to wiring harness etc, great shop for learning that's for sure ! I tried to get in at tekamo but unfortunately I was told you guys did not take in apprentices! Love my current shop!! Can't stress that enough! In a year from now I will be ready for the field 🤙

[@azjt101]

I started as a rental yard yard guy and moved up from there

[@AlbertB72]

Good work

[@redhaironfire111]

could someone tell me what kind of jobs I should be looking at to gain experience to become a heavy equipment technician?

[@jesseinness9874]

I'm currently a red seal welder , how difficult is the transition to heavy duty? , what's the starting wage for 1st year?

[@Timothy_Ice89]

How can I apply to be an apprentice

[@robcanthandlestupidy9249]

I needed this guidance

[@bradparker-tz2xk]

I tried getting into and no one don't wanna hire me at all

[@ethanmyrda662]

Hey cam, I was wondering if you have any advice for me. I’m at a international truck dealer currently working as a level 1 tech. I want to gain heavy equipment experience before I go independent down the road. What would be the best way to gain experience in both at the same time? Would it be possible to be a part time helper or a 2nd shift helper for a independent tech?

[@northboundtraveler8632]

I am currently in a heavy-duty pre-apprenticeship program at SAIT but I don't know where to start after the program, I really love to go offroad but there is a lot of confusion when you are searching for a job to start because of the requirements on the job listings like it must be 2nd or 3rd yr. apprentice, do you have any suggestions that can help me figure out how to get a job and start my career?

[@TekamoHD]

Search up companies in your area that do what you're interested in. Even if the job listing requires more experience than you have, let them know you're in school and you got the drive to learn. Everyone is looking for hard working people and some are willing to train the right person. Just because they don't have a job posting for a year 1 or 2 doesn't mean they won't offer it if you ask. For example, we just took on an apprentice even though our job posting was for red seals.

[@northboundtraveler8632]

@@TekamoHD Thanks for the advice..Keep up the good job really helps us know more about the trade.

[@jeremiahadzomani9520]

I want to be an apprentice How can I apply

[@samuelmanso5896]

Am a Heavy Duty Mechanic from Ghana how can I apply for a work at your company

[@meatyklaws8774]

I’ve been an auto technician for 6 years looking to get into a heavy equipment mechanic do you guys think it’s a good move? (I’m 24y/o)

[@fuckjewtube69]

Yes get out of cars

[@AlbertB72]

Sir I am working in UAE as a heavy equipment electrician. How i can get job in Canada

[@1234563221]

Apply for jobs here we are seriously short on heavy equipment mechanics.

[@smartiesnestle6679]

Do you guys need any apprentices?

[@OhhhJP]

Is this work physically hard? (Question for anyone who cares to answer)

[@TekamoHD]

Yes it is. Everything is heavy but if you work for a good company you’ll have a crane

[@OhhhJP]

@@TekamoHD okay not afraid of hard work, was just curious about it. How common is it to come across a “good” company in this field? 😂

[@boooyaaababy651]

Stop saying kid... People in thier late 20s and early 30s want to start something new because thier younger self chose a stupid career.... jesus

[@fuckjewtube69]

What if you're an experienced automotive tech of 10ish years?

[@Halfsack-zac]

You don’t need the tools, but it would be pretty skookum if ya had them!!