There is a growing demand for diesel mechanics in Nevada. That is expected to continue to for the next several years as more industries grow in our region.

"There's two big categories," Wilbur Cothrun, Senior Technical Training Investor for Cashman Equipment said. "It's either over-the-road trucks hauling goods, they've got diesel engines and then heavy equipment that's moving that dirt, the big bulldozers and loaders and trucks."

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada predicts an increase in diesel mechanic jobs of eight percent over the next five years. O Net Online's 2019 predictions showed 13,700 job openings in that field during a ten-year span.

"The need for diesel mechanics in the Reno region is higher than the national average," Barbara Walden, Dean of Technical Sciences for Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) said.

TMCC is working with Cashman Equipment to recruit more students to pursue diesel mechanics as a career to help fill the demand.

"I feel like we don't have enough of them," Kira Lamb, Technician Recruiter for Cashman Equipment said. "It's always a great opportunity. Especially, with us partnering and reaching out and combining with TMCC."

92 students are taking classes in the Diesel Program, including 50 who have declared for the two-year program. Joakima Hillyard decided to pursue a path in diesel mechanics after working on cars, and eventually boats in Alaska.

"It's hands-on," Hillyard said. "It starts out, first day we're already working on stuff. He has us do work orders which really makes us feel like we're in the field."

Hillyard is one of a growing number of women that are going into this trade, which has historically been dominated by men.

"For me, it's empowering," Hillyard said. "I got a couple of other women in some of my classes and we try to support each other."

Jamie Mackel worked as a heavy equipment operator for mining and construction companies before deciding to change career paths.

"It's a lot of research," Mackel said. "It's a lot of computer work, surprisingly. You wouldn't think so but specs and everything can be found online."

The classes are designed to align with the companies that will eventually hire the students. Technology is always changing, so they will continually learn after they begin their careers. 

The pay is also enticing to many students. Nevada's hourly wages range from $20 for beginners to more than $40 for the highest positions. According to O Net Online, Nevada's median annual wage for diesel mechanics is $67,290. That compares to the national median wage of $55,350.

"If you're looking for something where you're going to have good job security and people are always going to be looking for you and you're going to get poached here and there for great opportunities, it's good to start thinking about coming back to this industrial type of environment," Lamb said.

The demand is growing for a number of reasons. Nevada has a lot of mining and construction. There is also a lot of growth in manufacturing, logistics and distribution. All of those require transportation needs.

Agriculture also requires heavy equipment like combines and tractors. Chad Winthrop is following in his family's business at Vista Equipment, which primarily focuses on maintenance and repairs on farm equipment.

"A lot of people don't realize, they think they get their food from the grocery store but you get your food from the farmer, so diesel mechanics are needed to keep us fed and keep the world moving," Winthrop said.

TMCC's Diesel Program costs $8,400 for the two-year degree. Some classes take as little as five weeks. Students can also receive certificates for completing a certain number of credits.