Kilgore College

Diesel Technology  

The Diesel Technology program offered at Kilgore College prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the diesel truck repair, heavy equipment repair, and natural gas compression job fields. Students have the option of specializing in areas of the diesel technology field, including engine building or transmissions. Thanks to an ongoing partnership with local industry employers, students are given the opportunity to acquire real-world job experience, working part-time as a diesel mechanic intern while they finish their schooling at Kilgore College. 

In the classroom, students develop skills in English comprehension, reading, written communication, mathematical computation, and technical writing. Through in-depth lectures, class participation, detailed textbooks, and written assignments, students gain a basic understanding of diesel engine, including engine design, engine functions, and the principles of operation of the diesel engine and its auxiliary sub-systems. Industry-relevant topics, such as gear ratios, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, natural gas compression, alignment angles, and the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, are just a small part of the curriculum of the Diesel Technology program at Kilgore College.

In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire valuable career-specific experience, learning hands-on, how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel-powered trucks and heavy equipment. Students develop important analytical, technical, and mechanical skills, observing live demonstrations before being mentored by their instructors, as they train in all areas of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, diesel electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, brake systems, heavy duty power trains, fuel systems, hydraulic systems, heavy duty steering and suspension systems, and mobile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 

Using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, schematics, wiring diagrams, electronic test meters, precision measuring tools, power tools, and hand tools, students gain a basic hands-on understanding of diesel engine overhaul and tune-up, as well as heavy equipment service and repair procedures, by disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their intricate system components.

Working both independently, and in teams, students learn the importance of interpersonal communication, leadership, and effective time management, completing each assignment given to them by their instructors with accuracy and proficiency. Effective communication skills, shop safety awareness, and integrity in the workplace will also be stressed throughout the program. Thanks to the Cooperative Education internship, students will have the opportunity to work part-time as a mechanic-in-training at a local company while attending the Diesel Technology program at Kilgore College.

College and Beyond 

Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Kilgore 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 diesel-powered truck and heavy equipment service and repair industry. Occupational opportunities include, but are not limited to, the truck transportation industry, the construction industry, the mining industry, the rail transportation and shipping industries, the oceanic cargo shipping industry, the natural gas and oil exploration and extraction industries, on farms and ranches, and at independent service garages.

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 Texas was $43,720 yearly and $21.02 hourly, just 3% lower than the national average.

The Associate in Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate

Kilgore College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Diesel Technology. Kilgore College also offers a 9-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.