Linn-Benton Community College
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Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology*
The Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program at Linn-Benton Community College is not only accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), they are a proud member of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC). The program is designed to give students a balance of diesel theory and practical hands-on experience, diagnosing, servicing, repairing, and rebuilding diesel engines and equipment.
In the classroom, students are taken through the fundamentals of the diesel engine system, learning diesel theory, engine design, function, and principles of operation. Students develop important comprehension and communication skills as they participate in lectures, practice computation, and complete written assignments.
Inside the 25,000 square-foot Heavy Equipment and Diesel Mechanics training facility, is where the real learning begins. Students learn, hands-on, about the features and functions of the diesel engine and its integrated system components, including electrical systems, electronic systems, manufacturing processes, basic hydraulics, mobile hydraulics, pneumatic brakes and controls, steering and suspension systems, power train systems, and mobile air conditioning and comfort systems.
Inside the Heavy-Duty Engine Rebuilding Lab, students acquire hands-on training in heavy equipment and diesel engine tune-up, disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and heavy equipment, using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, precision measuring instruments, wiring diagrams, tech manuals, power tools, and hand tools. Using the facility’s state-of-the-art dynamometer, students learn how to measure the force, torque, and rotational speed produced by various diesel engines.
Each student will learn about the value of interpersonal communication and teamwork, as well as how to manage their time wisely, as they work both independently, and in groups, to complete every task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, a positive workplace attitude, and effective customer service skills are also discussed and practiced in the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program at Linn-Benton Community College.
The Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology Curriculum
The curriculum of the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program consists of the following career-relevant classes:
- Fundamental Shop Skills
- Electrical & Electronic Systems
- Manufacturing Processes I
- Welding I
- Basic Hydraulics
- Pneumatic Brakes & Controls
- Welding II
- Advanced Mobile Hydraulics
- Steering, Suspension & Brakes
- Cooperative Work Experience
- Power Train Systems
- Customer Service for Heavy Equipment Technicians
- Heavy Equipment/Diesel Engines
- Heavy Equipment/Diesel Tune-Up
- Mobile Air Conditioning & Comfort Systems
Students must also take Introduction to Algebra, Technical Writing for Technicians, Lifetime Health and Fitness, and either Manufacturing Processes II or Manufacturing Processes III, and either Welding Seminar or CWE in order to meet the 90 credit requirements of the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree program. To be eligible to graduate, each student must complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
From Graduation to Occupation
Students who successfully complete the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program at Linn-Benton Community College will qualify for entry-level positions in the diesel and heavy equipment technology field. Graduates can expect to secure employment with bus lines, commercial trucking fleets, heavy construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, farms, ranches, train yards, shipyards, electric power plants, and independent repair shops.
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 Oregon was $46,160 yearly and $22.19 hourly, 2% higher than the national average.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate
Linn-Benton Community College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology. Linn-Benton Community College also offers a 77-week Undergraduate Certificate in Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.
*Program is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).