The trucking industry doesn’t move without diesel technicians. Yet across the country, shops are facing a growing shortage of skilled mechanics, with an aging workforce and not enough young people stepping in to fill the gap.
On a recent episode of NextGen Talks, I sat down with Jeff Arledge, Director at J&M Tank Lines, to learn how his company is tackling the challenge head-on. Through their partnership with Wallace State Community College and the Diesel by Distance program, J&M is creating new pathways for young people to enter and thrive in this vital career.
From Shop Floor to Leadership
Jeff’s journey began the way many technician stories do—on the shop floor. He worked his way up from mechanic to lead roles and eventually into management. When he joined J&M Tank Lines four years ago, the company’s leadership challenged him to find solutions to the technician shortage.
His answer? Build a pipeline of talent by investing in education and training.
Partnering with Wallace State: Diesel by Distance
Instead of simply recruiting from outside, Jeff looked at the young employees already working in J&M’s wash bays. With the Diesel by Distance program, those employees could keep their jobs while pursuing a two-year training program that combined:
- Weekend in-person classes at Wallace State
- Online coursework during the week
- On-the-job training with experienced J&M technicians
The program equips graduates with certifications in preventive maintenance, brakes, engines, and transmissions—plus a CDL license so they can test-drive trucks themselves.
Mentorship and Growth from Within
J&M doesn’t just send students to class—they pair each participant with a seasoned technician. Starting as helpers, trainees gradually gain confidence until they can handle jobs on their own.
Jeff shared how powerful it is to watch a young technician complete their first solo repair: “The pride that technician comes up with—‘I got it fixed’—that’s what it’s all about.”
J&M supports their technicians every step of the way, covering costs not met by grants or scholarships, and even providing hotel stays for students who have long commutes to class.
Career Advancement and Retention
When participants graduate, they move into B-level technician roles, often earning $10–12 more per hour than when they started. This transforms what might have been “just a paycheck” into a lifelong career.
The results? Loyalty. Many of J&M’s technicians have stayed for 10, 20, even 35 years. Investing in young people doesn’t just fill empty positions—it builds a culture of mentorship and growth.
Bridging Generations in the Shop
One fascinating insight Jeff shared is the difference between older and younger technicians. While veteran techs bring decades of hands-on mechanical expertise, younger techs often excel at diagnostics and computer-based tools. By combining strengths across generations, J&M ensures its shops are prepared for the future of trucking technology.
A Family Legacy
For Jeff, this commitment to technician development isn’t just professional—it’s personal. His own son chose diesel technology as a career after exploring different trades in high school. Today, he’s thriving in the industry.
Jeff sums it up with advice he gives every young technician: “Be early, don’t let anybody outwork you, and stay dedicated.”
Takeaways for Shop and Service Managers
If you’re facing a technician shortage, Jeff has simple advice: pick up the phone and call your local community college. Building relationships with schools opens doors to programs, students, and future employees who are eager to learn and grow.
And remember—training never stops. Trucking technology is constantly advancing, and investing in ongoing education keeps your workforce future-ready.
Closing Thoughts
J&M Tank Lines proves that solving the technician shortage requires more than hiring—it requires mentorship, education, and long-term investment in people. By supporting young technicians from the wash bay to the shop floor, they’re not just filling jobs; they’re changing lives.
At NextGen Talks, we believe these stories show the power of industry and education working together to build the next generation of trucking professionals.
👉 Want to learn more about how to connect with your local schools and start building a talent pipeline? Visit NextGenTrucking.org or reach out to me at [email protected].