Salt Lake Community College

Diesel Systems Technology  

The Diesel Systems Technology program at Salt Lake Community College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and training necessary to properly service, repair, and maintain diesel trucks, construction equipment and mining equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, earth movers, and more.

Students are taught such topics as diesel theory and the fundamentals of the diesel engine system in the classroom, learning about the function, design, and operation of the diesel engine system, through in-depth lectures, class discussions, and written assignments.

Each student will strengthen their comprehension in Math and English while they develop critical thinking and reasoning skills as they participate in Biological Science, Fine Arts, Humanities, Interdisciplinary, Physical Science, and Social Science classes.

In the training facility, students observe live demonstrations and acquire instructor-guided hands-on training, learning how to safely and properly service, repair, and maintain the most current diesel engines, brakes, heavy-duty electrical circuits and lighting, diesel electronic systems, heavy-duty hydraulic control systems, fluid driven drivetrains, and gear driven drivetrains. Students will learn on the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment as they diagnose and repair the computerized auxiliary systems found on today’s diesel engines.

Precision measuring instruments, shop manuals, power tools, volt meters, circuit diagrams, and hand tools will also be used throughout the program. Students will also gain hands-on experience in welding for diesel mechanics and performing preventive maintenance inspections.

Students will learn the value of strong communication skills and teamwork as they work both independently, and in groups, disassembling, inspecting, testing, repairing, and reassembling diesel engines and their intricate system components with proficiency and accuracy.

Shop safety and the proper procedure for handling and disposing of hazardous waste will also be discussed and practiced. Ethics, professionalism, and a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Systems Technology program at Salt Lake Community College.

Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree program will have the option of transferring into the Technology Management Bachelor Degree program at Utah State University.

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 Utah was $44,100 yearly and $21.20 hourly, just 2% lower than the national average. Utah wages for diesel mechanics range from $13.85 per hour to $30.96 per hour, with $21.20 per hour being the median wage.

Students who successfully complete the Diesel Systems Technology program at Salt Lake Community College will have the skills and training necessary to repair and maintain both on-highway and off-highway equipment. Entry-level employment opportunities include working as a qualified diesel mechanic for industry partners like Central Refrigerated Service Incorporated, CR England, Geneva Rock, Intermountain Bobcat, Quality Tire Company, Rush Truck Center, Smith Power Products Incorporated, Utah Transit Authority, and Wheeler CAT.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate of Completion

Salt Lake Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Systems Technology. Salt Lake Community College also offers a one-year Certificate of Completion in Diesel Systems Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.