Build Your Career

Apprentice Program

Home apprentice

Apprentice Program

The Problem

The Diesel Technician Shortage Isn't a Hiring Problem

It's a retention problem—and the data proves it.

The diesel and off-highway industry is currently short 75,000+ technicians, with demand continuing to grow. Yet despite aggressive recruiting, 30–50% of new diesel technicians leave the trade within their first three years.

The highest risk window isn't later in a career—it's the first 12–36 months.

During That Time:
New Technicians Often Face:
$10,000–$20,000 in early-career tool costs
Lower productivity due to being under-equipped
Increased frustration and slower confidence development
Employers Often Face:
Lost training investment before ROI is realized
Repeated recruiting and onboarding costs
Chronic understaffing in service departments

Retention doesn't start at year three. It starts on

Day One

The Solution

Day One — Apprentice Starter Toolkit

Every enrolled apprentice receives a professionally curated SP Tools OHW Diesel Starter Toolkit upon hire. This removes the upfront tool barrier and allows new technicians to be productive immediately.

Year One — Apprentice Pricing

Apprentices are enrolled in the SP Tools Apprentice Program for 12 months, giving them access to student/apprentice pricing. This allows technicians to build their tool arsenal responsibly, without overwhelming debt, while improving efficiency and confidence on the job.

Year 3 — Retention by Ownership

The Apprentice Starter Toolkit becomes the technician's to keep after a defined retention period (typically 36 months). If the technician leaves early, the tools remain company property.

50% Thicker Steel
Extra High Clearance
Magnetic Power Board
Ball Bearing Slides
Powder Coating
Clik-Lok

Sumo Series

492pc SP Apprentice Program HD Tool List

Apprentice Pricing$6,805
MSRP$13,526
SP44825-C73" 21 Drawer SUMO SERIES Triple Bank Toolbox Black W/ Chrome
SP5000BUS122pc Metric/SAE Socket Set in Carbon Fiber EVA Foam
SP50017M25pc Metric/SAE Wrench Set in Carbon Fiber EVA Foam
SP5001615pc Metric/SAE Jumbo Combination Wrench Set in EVA Foam
SP5002028pc Metric/SAE Geardrive & Flare Nut Wrench Set in Carbon Fiber EVA Foam
SP50115DM145pc Sub Tool Kit in Carbon Fiber EVA Foam
SP508394pc Tang-Thru Pry Bar Set
SP529166pc Performance Series Pliers/Cutters Set in EVA Foam
SP522886pc Quick Change Ratchet Crimper Kit
SP62016Auto-Ranging True RMS Multimeter
SP64012Oil Filter Wrench (Strap Type, Truck)
SP98451/2" Magnesium Air Impact Wrench
SP305103pc Hammer Kit - 2.5 Lbs. Club - 1.5 Lbs. Ball Pein - 2.5 Lbs. Cross Pein
SP303146lb Stubby Sledge Hammer
SP2032240pc 1/2" Drive Metric Impact Socket Set - Color Coded
SP2032734pc 1/2" Drive SAE Impact Socket Set - Color Coded
SP81466Work Light/Torch - COB LED, Slimline
SP81463Rechargeable Double Strip Headlamp
SP610136/12/24v Bulb-Style Circuit Tester - Medium Probe
SP6606849pc Diesel Injector Flow Test Kit w/ Adaptors
SP66038Master Diesel Engine Compression Set
SP6608214pc Diesel Injector Extractor / Common Rail Puller Kit + Slide Hammer