Gateway Technical College

Diesel Equipment Technology  

The Diesel Equipment Technology program at Gateway Technical College prepares students for the increasing number of high-tech transportation occupations. Students receive a hybrid education of classroom instruction and hands-on training at the state-of-the-art Horizon Center for Transportation Technology. Equipped with a brand new Advanced Propulsion lab, the Horizon Center’s training facility introduces students to bio fuels and other emerging green diesel technologies.

Students will have the opportunity to interact with the LJ Create instructional technology, a diesel training resource specifically designed to aid students in learning the most current diesel repair techniques used in the industry today. Thanks to a partnership with Snap-on Incorporated, the Horizon Center houses the most up to date Snap-on equipment. Students will learn how to use the newest Snap-on diagnostic devices and obtain Snap-on certifications as well.

In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the operational fundamentals of the diesel engine system, including the design, function, and principles of operation of today’s diesel engines. Through class discussions, textbooks, and written assignments, students develop strong comprehension in both mathematics and technical writing, while strengthening their critical thinking and reasoning skills. Areas of study include U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, gear ratios, effective shop management, and more. Students also take field trips to local industry and performance shops to observe and learn, gaining further insight into the diesel repair industry.

In the state-of-the-art 12,00 square foot Advanced Propulsion lab, students gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors, as they learn how to inspect, analyze, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, diesel electrical systems, diesel control systems, diesel hydraulic systems, diesel fuel systems, diesel drive trains, diesel suspension and steering systems, and diesel heating, cooling, and air conditioning. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in proper procedures for preventive maintenance and inspection. 

Students will learn on the most up-to-date computerized diagnostic equipment as they diagnose and repair the computerized auxiliary systems found on today’s diesel engines. Service manuals, wiring schematics, precision measuring devices, electronic volt meters, machine tools, power tools, and hand tools will also be used throughout the program as students learn how to repair and rebuild diesel engines and their complex system components by disassembling, inspecting, testing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines.

Students will learn the value of teamwork and time management as they work both independently, and in groups to successfully complete every task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, and workplace ethics will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Gateway Technical College. 

Diesel Mechanic Jobs

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 Wisconsin was $42,710 yearly and $20.54 hourly, just 5% lower than the national average.

Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Gateway Technical College can be confident that they will secure an entry-level position as a diesel mechanic in the diesel and heavy duty service and repair industry. Career opportunities include working at bus companies, commercial trucking companies, construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, farms, ranches, shipyards, train yards, and independent service garages.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Technical Diploma

Gateway Technical College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. Gateway Technical College also offers a 32-week Technical Diploma in Diesel Equipment Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.