An Opportunity Taken, A Career Established: Danilo’s Path to Diesel Technician
Danilo Andrade, recently promoted from technician apprentice to technician in Manassas, VA, has demonstrated exceptional determination and eagerness to learn, progressing from limited diesel technology knowledge to triage technician in under a year.
Danilo, an automotive repair hobbyist, was encouraged by a friend to apply for a Diesel Technician position at Johnson Truck Center, an Indel Power Group company. Danilo has always had a knack for repair work and had been considering a move into the diesel truck industry and decided to apply.
Service Manager, Brian Pillow, contacted him shortly after for an interview. Brian and his team admired Danilo’s enthusiasm, but he lacked technical skills for the role.
“I could see Danilo had a great personality for our shop, and he was eager to learn. His automotive experience and passion appealed to us even though he didn’t have diesel experience. We wanted to give him a chance to prove himself,” says Brian.
Instead, Brian offered Danilo a position as a Technician Apprentice. The Apprentice Program would provide Danilo his own stocked toolbox and a customized, paid training path under a peer mentor with the expectation to become a technician after one year.
“I knew this was an opportunity to get my foot in the door. I was grateful for the chance to learn and to get into the industry,” says Danilo.
Danilo started by shadowing each technician, learning the various roles, equipment, and repair types. This exposed him to the shop environment and allowed him to learn different approaches to problem solving. He then transitioned to PM services, gradually improving his efficiency with the help of his mentor and foreman, Chris Martin.
“Chris is always there to answer my questions and guide me in the right direction. I wouldn’t be where I am without his help,” says Danilo.
Today, Danilo is a triage technician and recently completed an electrical class held in Manassas. He plans to continue growing in his career by learning more about truck diagnostics, troubleshooting, and, ultimately, transmission work.
“Danilo learns something new every day. He is always willing to tackle a challenge. He’s exactly who the apprentice program was designed for and has proven he is a great employee and technician,” says Brian.
