Laramie County Community College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program offered at Laramie County Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of diesel theory and a rigorous hands-on experience of practical skills training. The Diesel Technology program focuses on the diesel engines and system components found in today’s medium and heavy duty diesel trucks and equipment.
In the classroom, students will learn diesel theory and the basic fundamentals of the diesel engine system, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine. Each student will develop their own analytical thought process as well as strong mathematical computation and English comprehension skills through lively class discussions, detailed study materials, and written assignments. Areas of study include U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, gear ratios, customer service, and more. The proper procedures and protocol for safely operating a diesel maintenance and repair shop will also be discussed.
In the state-of-the-art training facility, students receive the hands-on training they need to be able to properly inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, multi-cylinder engines, hydraulic systems, air brake systems, diesel electrical systems, diesel drive trains, diesel fuel systems, steering systems, suspension systems, and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Students will also learn the industry standard techniques for welding properly and safely, before gaining hands-on experience in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and flux cored arc welding. Shop safety and the the proper procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous materials according to OSHA safety regulations will also be discussed and practiced.
Students also learn how to perform diesel engine overhaul by disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated component systems, using computerized diagnostic equipment, hand tools, gauges, electronic multi-meters, shop manuals, wiring diagrams, and power tools.
Students will develop strong communication skills, effective time management skills, and important thinking and reasoning skills throughout the course of the program. Students will be expected to work both independently, and as a team, as they work together to successfully complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed. Students will be expected to come to class on time and be ready to learn and work with a positive attitude.
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree Program
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree Program contains the following career-relevant classes:
- Automotive & Diesel Industrial Safety
- Diesel Electrical
- Engine Rebuilding I
- Diesel Fuel Systems & Tuning I
- Diesel Drivetrain
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Air Brakes, Suspension & Steering
- Welding Technology Safety
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
- Capstone Course for Diesel Technology
- Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux Cored Arc Welding
Students must also take English I, U.S. & Wyoming Constitutions, either Technical Mathematics I or Problem Solving, either Public Speaking or Foundations of Communication or Interpersonal Communication, and either Principles of Technology or one faculty-approved Elective Course in order to fulfill the 64 credit requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students are required to finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Completion
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Completion program consists of the following career-specific courses:
- Automotive & Diesel Industrial Standards
- Diesel Electrical
- Engine Rebuilding I
- Diesel Fuel Systems & Tuning
- Diesel Drive Train
- Heating, & Air Conditioning
- Air Brake System, Suspension & Steering
Students are required to complete each course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
Occupational Outlook
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 Wyoming was $52,520 yearly and $25.25 hourly, 16% higher than the national average.
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Laramie County Community College can be confident that they possess the education and training necessary to secure an entry-level position as a qualified diesel mechanic in the medium and heavy-duty truck and heavy machinery service and repair industry.
Occupational opportunities include, but are not limited to, the commercial trucking industry, automotive repair and maintenance facilities, the construction industry, the manufacturing industry, the logging industry, the mining industry, agriculture industry, the rail transport industry, the oceanic shipping industry, and the oil and natural gas extraction industries.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate of Completion
Laramie County Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Laramie County Community College also offers a 9-month Certificate of Completion in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.