Diesel Technology

Diesel Technology prepares the student to enter various segments of the diesel repair industry as an entry-level technician. This includes, but is not limited to, the agricultural, the industrial equipment, and the heavy-duty diesel truck repair industry. This program provides comprehensive training in maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of related electrical/electronic systems, mobile hydraulic systems, manual and hydraulic drive trains, brakes, air systems, diesel engines, general maintenance, alignment and undercarriages, HVAC, and transport refrigeration systems as used in equipment common to the diesel repair industry. Major placement areas for the Diesel Technology graduate are agriculture and truck dealerships, truck fleets, construction, mining, oil exploration companies, farms and ranches, and independent truck repair shops.

Students will need professional tools to gain employment upon graduation; therefore, they are required to purchase a tool set as outlined in the tool section. Students are required to purchase school-approved coveralls and red rags for use in the shops and are responsible for a cleaning fee each semester.

Tool lists can be found here

Gainful Employment

Diesel Technology
Associate of Applied Science

Career Outlook:  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of diesel mechanics is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

As more freight is shipped across the country, additional diesel-powered trucks will be needed. As a result, diesel mechanics will be needed to maintain and repair the nation’s truck fleet. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.

Some older vehicles will need to be retrofitted and modernized to comply with environmental regulations, creating additional jobs for diesel mechanics.

Overall employment growth, however, may be dampened due to increasing durability of new truck and bus diesel engines. Continuing advances in repair technology, including computerized diagnostic equipment, also will result in fewer mechanics doing the same amount of work, further reducing demand for mechanics.

Job opportunities should be good for those who have completed formal postsecondary education and have strong technical skills, as employers sometimes report difficulty finding qualified workers.

Workers without formal training often require more supervision and on-the-job instruction than others—an expensive and time-consuming process for employers. Because of this, untrained candidates will face strong competition for jobs.

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Program Cost:
Approximately $11,300

Diesel Technology

For more information, please contact the Student Support Center