Dealers and fleets share a common problem -- finding and keeping qualified technicians. One dealer has developed a series of online videos, or webisodes, designed to showcase diesel technician as a career opportunity.

Truck Center Companies has created a series of 10 webisodes to introduce high school students (and others) to this career path.

Episode 1 visits with three diesel techs about their jobs and what they like about them:

In Episode 2 the technicians talk more about the essentiality of the industry and the opportunities available:

“We looked at the state of the industry and our own business, and decided to do something proactive about it,” said Trey Mytty, Truck Center Companies CEO. “It was important for the company to showcase the skillsets needed to be a diesel technician and to highlight day-to-day challenges they face on the job. Students today are media-savvy, so we wanted to deliver our message in a way that is both educational and entertaining.”
 
The webisodes are located at http://dieseltechs.com. The website also offers a wealth of information on being a diesel technician, a graphic showcasing the high-tech equipment on today's trucks, written Q&As with the featured techs, tips on what to look for in a training school and more.
 
Truck Center Companies is also sponsoring a contest to help build awareness of the webisode series. Approximately 1,000 high schools in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa are being asked to participate by displaying posters and encouraging their students to watch the webisodes. Schools with the most participation will win a Lenovo laptop.
 
Family-owned Truck Center Companies is one of America's largest Freightliner dealers. Founded in 1975, the Omaha, Neb.-based dealership is located in eight cities in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. 

It's a great effort that will not only help Truck Center Companies recruit technicians, but could help improve the image of techs throughout the country.