Mar Tyndall

Pursuing a career that you’re passionate about requires learning the skills needed to perform the job well.

Mar Tyndall has a love for vehicles and an interest in the technology that keeps them running. He graduated from Lincoln Tech’s ASE-Certified automotive program and worked for Volkswagen for two years. While Tyndall enjoyed his work, he wanted to achieve more in his career. He began to explore opportunities to become a diesel technician and found the Republic Services diesel technician training program.

“I wanted a challenge and I was inspired by the challenge of working on bigger and heavier equipment,” Tyndall said.

Tyndall is a diesel technician apprentice at Republic Services, a leader in recycling, waste and environmental services. Originally from New Jersey, Tyndall moved to Jacksonville in the spring of 2023 after graduating from Republic Services’ Technical Institute, the industry’s first-ever diesel technician training program. The next generation trade school provides technological education and student compensation while supporting the development of a highly trained workforce.

“When I first started, I didn’t know much about trucks,” Tyndall said. “Now, I know more than the average person.”

The training program was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and Lincoln Tech, a leader in post-secondary education for auto, diesel, and skilled trades, to address the national diesel tech shortage. Republic Services Technical Institute offers paid on-the-job training, high-tech classrooms, and computer-based learning. Participants work toward a technical certification tuition-free at the Institute’s state-of-the-art, 76,000-square-foot facility located in Dallas, Texas. Tyndall received an offer to attend the Institute in January of 2023.

“It’s a beautiful facility with a lot of space to work in and the instructors are so helpful,” Tyndall said. “It was an excellent experience.”

After completing the nine-week program, graduates of the Republic Services Technical Institute begin full-time work at one of the company’s 180 local business units, including Jacksonville. Graduates receive a competitive salary, health insurance, paid time off and other benefits. Republic Services operates one of the nation’s largest fleets of waste removal and recycling vehicles and equipment, including heavy-duty, professional-grade, top-of-the-line trucks.

“Every day takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Tyndall said. “There is always something new and interesting to learn each day.”

Tyndall performs ongoing maintenance and critical repairs to keep the company’s trucks on the road.

“It’s rewarding that I can serve my community as well as our team by making sure our trucks up and running and keeping our trucks safe,” Tyndall said. “Safety is our number one priority.”

Tyndall will advance from an apprentice to a certified diesel technician after approximately 18 months on the job. He enjoys the daily challenges of his job including disassembling and reassembling equipment. Problem solving is an essential skill for a diesel technician, which can be an excellent path to a well-paying and secure profession.

“Some days are challenging, but you have to do what it takes to keep striving, be persistent and achieve your goals,” Tyndall said.