New Castle School of Trades
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Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology
The New Castle School of Trades is one of the leading trade and technical institutions in the Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio regions. The 67-week Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology program at the New Castle School of Trades is designed to provide students with the entry-level diesel technician training and skills necessary to begin working in the diesel technology job field. Students receive a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, performing maintenance and repairs on a variety of diesel engines and semi-tractors.
In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the basics of the diesel engine, including the design, functions, and principles of operation of the diesel engine and its integrated sub-systems. Lively class discussions, detailed study materials, and written assignments, all work in conjunction to develop each student’s critical thinking and reasoning skills, while strengthening their communication, computation, and comprehension skills. Various topics relevant to the diesel industry are discussed, include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, effective shop management, customer service, career preparation, job readiness, and more.
In the state-of-the-art training facility, students observe live demonstrations and gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors, as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, hydraulic brake systems, pneumatic brake systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, steering systems, suspension systems, power trains, transmissions, and chassis assemblies. Students also receive commercial truck driving training, giving them a thorough understanding of the semi-tractor system, inside and out.
Using a variety of tools and equipment, including technical schematics, wiring diagrams, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other hand tools, pneumatic wrenches, welding and flame cutting tools, jacks, hoists, computerized information systems, precision measuring instruments, lab scopes, electronic multi-meters, circuit testers, and basic engine testing tools, students learn to disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, acquiring valuable hands-on experience performing diesel engine overhauls, rebuilds, and tune-ups.
Throughout the 67-week program, students will strengthen their mechanical aptitude, while developing important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills with each assignment they complete. Students will also learn the value of teamwork and effective time management as they complete each and every task given to them by their instructors in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, and quality workmanship will also be stressed throughout the Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology program at the New Castle School of Trades.
The Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology Curriculum
The Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology program is made up of the following industry-specific classes:
- Diesel Engine Repair
- Diesel Engine Performance
- Steering & Suspensions
- Power Trains
- Hydraulics & Pneumatic Brakes
- Electrical & Electronic Systems
- Heavy Equipment Repair
- Advanced Vehicle Diagnosis
- Electrical Power Generation
- Precision Measuring
- Customer Service
- Fabrication
- Prints & Schematics
- Commercial Truck Driving
Students are also required to take Basic Math, Technical Math, Applied Math, Strategies for Success, Business Management, Job Search, Computer Concepts, and Personal Finance in order to meet the minimum 126.5 credit hour requirements of the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree program. Students are required to finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
From Graduation to Occupation
Graduates of the Diesel and Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology program at the New Castle School of Trades will possess all the basic skills necessary to gain entry-level employment in a variety of industries as qualified diesel mechanics servicing, maintaining, and repairing cranes, bulldozers, road graders, diesel-powered trucks, diesel-powered cars, boats, light trucks, farm tractors, combines, locomotives, and more.
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 Pennsylvania was $42,770 yearly and $20.56 hourly, just 6% lower than the national average.
The Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
The New Castle School of Trades offers a 17-month Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Diesel/Heavy Equipment and Generator Repair Technology. This program is Pell Grant eligible.