Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis

Diesel Powered Equipment Technology*  

The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis has not only receive accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), it has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), receiving accreditation in Diesel Engines, Brakes, Electrical/Electronics, Suspension and Steering, Drive Trains, Preventive Maintenance, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

The program is designed to train students for entry-level employment as diesel service technicians and diesel mechanics, repairing, servicing, and maintaining the diesel engines that power heavy duty diesel trucks, buses, locomotives, and heavy machinery.

In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the basics of the diesel engine system, including heavy duty truck systems, medium/heavy duty truck engines, and fuel and computerized management systems.

Through lively class discussions, study materials, and written assignments, students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, communication skills, and comprehension in both mathematics and technical writing. Topics of discussion include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, effective shop management, and more.

In the laboratory, students gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, fuel systems, brakes, electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, suspension and steering systems, drive trains, power trains, track frames, hydraulic systems, and air conditioning and heating systems.

Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in welding for diesel mechanics as well as preventive maintenance and inspection. Using technical manuals, hand tools, computerized diagnostic machines, gauges, and wiring diagrams, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components.

Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude and develop important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills. Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and effective time management as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed.

Safe and efficient work practices, quality workmanship, and employability skills will also be emphasized throughout the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis. 

What to Expect After College 

As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of Tennessee was $43,190 yearly and $20.77 hourly, just 4% lower than the national average.

Due to relatively high wages, a diesel powered economy, and steady work, graduates of the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis can be confident they will be rewarded with a highly successful and fulfilling career.

Occupational opportunities include servicing and repairing buses, trucks, locomotives, marine vessels, farm equipment and construction equipment at commercial trucking companies, bus lines, train yards, shipyards, farms, ranches, construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, and independent service garages.

The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology Diploma and Undergraduate Certificate

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis offers a 20-month Diesel Powered Equipment Technology Diploma.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis also offers an 18-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Powered Equipment Technology with a Diesel Technician Assistant concentration.

Finally, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis also offers three separate Undergraduate Certificates in Diesel Powered Equipment Technology, each with a different concentration, including a Diesel Technician Apprentice concentration, a Diesel Engine Assembler concentration, and a Preventive Maintenance Service Technician Helper concentration.

Each program is Pell Grant eligible, except for the 4-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Powered Equipment Technology with the Preventive Maintenance Service Technician Helper concentration. This program is not Pell Grant eligible.

*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).