Grays Harbor College

Diesel Technology  

The Diesel Technology program at Grays Harbor College grooms students to become highly qualified diesel mechanics by providing them with the most up-to-date equipment to train on and teaching them the most current diesel service and repair techniques used in the industry today. Students are taught how to properly and safely inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel-powered trucks, construction equipment, buses, agricultural equipment, and some marine engines.

In the classroom, students learn diesel theory, as well as the dynamics, purpose, and principles of operation of medium and heavy duty trucks and heavy machinery. In-depth lectures, detailed study materials, class discussions, and written assignments help each student to develop critical writing, math, communication, and problem solving skills every diesel mechanic needs in order to succeed in today’s rapidly changing diesel industry. 

In the training facility, students learn the diesel trade practices currently in use today, obtaining verbal instruction and hands-on training, on how to properly and safely troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair, diesel engines, heavy equipment power trains, heavy equipment brakes, heavy equipment fuel systems, heavy equipment suspension and steering systems, diesel electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, hydraulic systems, and mobile air conditioning systems. Each student will also acquire hands-on training in preventative maintenance inspection, computerized vehicle management systems, and industrial welding technologies.

Students will learn all aspects of diesel engine overhaul by disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their auxiliary system components, using digital diagnostic equipment, precision measuring instruments, service manuals, wiring schematics, electronic volt meters, power tools, and hand tools.

Every student will learn the value of teamwork and time management, working together and independently, to complete every assignment given to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop courtesy, safety, professionalism, and ethics in the workplace will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Technology program at Grays Harbor College. 

College and Beyond 

Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Grays Harbor 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 equipment service and repair industry. 

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 Washington was $53,570 yearly and $25.75 hourly, 19% higher than the national average.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Certificate of Completion, and Achievement Certificate

Grays Harbor College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Grays Harbor College also offers a 9-month Certificate of Completion in Diesel Technology with an emphasis in Diesel Technology Fundamentals as well as a 9-month Certificate of Completion in Diesel Technology with an emphasis in Advanced Diesel Technology.

Grays Harbor College also offers five different Achievement Level Certificates, each with a different emphasis. The first certificate is a 4-month Level 1 Achievement Certificate in Diesel technology with an Introduction to Diesel technology emphasis. The second certificate is a 4-month Level 2 Achievement Certificate in Diesel technology with an Intermediate Diesel Technology emphasis. The third certificate is a 4-month Level 3 Achievement Certificate in Diesel technology with an Advanced Diesel Technology emphasis. The fourth certificate is a 4-month Level 4 Achievement Certificate in Diesel technology with an emphasis in Diagnostics, Testing, and Repair. The fifth and final certificate is a 4-month Level 5 Achievement Certificate in Diesel technology with an emphasis in Advanced Diagnostics, Testing, and Repair.

The two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program, the 9-month Certificate of Completion program, and the 9-month Undergraduate Certificate program are all Pell Grant eligible.