Diesel Technology

Students in the Diesel Technology program are given a well-rounded education in the service and repair of trucks and heavy equipment related to areas including farming, logging, marine, locomotive, and construction equipment. Students are provided theory and shop practice on diesel engines and emissions, safety, hydraulics, DC electrical systems and multiplexing, power trains including hybrid technologies, air systems, brakes, chassis and suspension. Students will also receive comprehensive safety training applicable to the work environment. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the program’s Diesel Club.

Program Instructors

William Frei, AAS, Professor

Jay Kimble, AAS, Associate Professor

Andrew Kuther, AAS, Assistant Professor

Debby Flynn, Tool Room Assistant

TOOL KIT

The Diesel Technology program requires tools. Check out the following link for the Tool Kit requirements.

Job Outlook

The employment opportunities are available with a wide variety of diverse companies including transportation; rental yards; power generation; logging, mining, and construction firms; general and specialty shops; dealerships; state, county, and city shops; and state and federal agencies including the park service, state, and county shops.

Work Setting

Diesel technician positions can be found in all areas and locations in the world. Work includes both indoor and outdoor opportunities. Climbing, stooping, reaching, and lifting may be required. The average work week is 44 hours. During peak seasons, work time may extend to 12 to 15 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Aptitudes

This program has physical requirements that may affect the student’s ability to perform in this field. These requirements can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website or at O-Net OnLine. Necessary aptitudes include mechanical ability, good physical strength, good reading, physics, and math skills; ability to make decisions and work accurately; and enjoy working and seeing concrete results. The ability to adapt to ever-changing technology is a plus.

Wages

Today’s technicians start at $11.00 to $21.00 per hour right out of school. Journeymen wages can range up to $30.00 or more per hour. Benefits usually include health insurance, 401K, dental, vacation, and more. Technicians are needed in every city and state across the United States, as well as abroad.

Entrance Requirements

• The prospective students must have a current valid driver’s license while enrolled in the program and have had no DUIs in the past 12 months
• Enrollment priority is given to students on basis of students’ advising date and priority is given to AAS seeking students.
• For certificate seeking students: ALEKS score in math of 14 or higher
• For A.A.S. degree-seeking students: ALEKS score in math of 14 or higher; Writing Placement Exam score of 2 or higher

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Application of shop and industry safety procedures 
• Develop a safety attitude, use and identify personal protective equipment, understand fire safety, and material handling
• Understand terminology; knowledge of tools and equipment; knowledge of CDL operation; use of scan tools and diagnostic tools
• Knowledgeable in forklift and crane operation
• Evaluation of diesel engine performance
• Engine identification and external component identification
• Familiar with PowerShift transmissions; able to disassemble and reassemble PowerShift transmissions
• Able to troubleshoot and repair various engine systems such as engine brakes, emission controls, evolving hybrids, electrical, and multiplexing. 
• Knowledge of theory and operation of various systems
• Learn the basic operation and function of various systems
• A/C systems students will receive MACS A/C Certification
• Knowledge of DOT compliance
• Obtain Commercial Driver's License Training (CDL)

Class requirement

Please see catalog for a complete list of classes: LCSC Catalog  

Tags

• Automotive
• Diesel