Texas State Technical College – Sweetwater

Diesel Equipment Technology  

The Diesel Equipment Technology program offered at Texas State Technical College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as highly qualified diesel mechanics able to properly service, maintain, and repair today’s sophisticated diesel powered trucks and heavy equipment. Students acquire the technical knowledge and specialized skills needed to succeed in today’s career field through a combination of classroom lecture and job-simulated hands-on training. 

In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the fundamentals of the diesel engine, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine and its integrated sub-systems. Through lively class discussions, study materials, and written assignments, students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, sharpen their communication skills, and strengthen their English comprehension, mathematical computation, and technical writing skills. Students also learn job-relevant computer skills and become versed in terminology that is specific to the industry. Topics of discussion include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, alignment angles, shop management, customer service protocol, service record writing, and more.

In the laboratory, students obtain practical hands-on training, watching live instructor-led demonstrations, before being carefully guided by their teachers as they learn how to test, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, diesel fuel systems, brake systems, electrical systems, electronic control systems, suspension systems, steering systems, power trains, hydraulic systems, mobile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and frames and chassis. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in preventive maintenance and inspection procedures, tractor trailer service and repair, and failure analysis. 

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their auxiliary equipment sub-systems using computerized diagnostic machines, lab scopes, electronic multi-meters, service manuals, circuit diagrams, precision measuring instruments, gauges, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, pneumatic wrenches, grinders, and lathes, in order to repair, recondition, or replace the necessary parts, students gain a hands-on understanding of the diesel engine tune-up and overhaul process.

Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude while developing important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills every diesel mechanic needs to succeed in today’s fast-paced job field. Teamwork, time management, and quality workmanship will be expected as students work both independently, and in groups, to complete each and every task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency, thoroughness, and speed. Ethics, professionalism, and integrity will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College. 

Thanks to an on-going partnership with local industry leaders who help shape the Diesel Equipment Technology curriculum and hire graduates of the program, most students are employed before the end of their last semester. In fact, almost every graduate of the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College is already working full time when they leave. Companies that hire graduates include industry leaders such as Chevron, Freightliner, Halliburton, Holt Equipment, John Deere, Martex Drilling Co., Sabine Mining, Peterbilt, and more.

Employment Outlook

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.

Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College can be confident that they possess the comprehensive education and specialized training necessary to pursue a successful and rewarding career as a qualified diesel mechanic in the heavy-duty diesel powered truck and equipment service and repair industry. Employment opportunities include securing an entry-level position at Chevron, Freightliner, Halliburton, Holt Equipment, John Deere, Martex Drilling Co., Sabine Mining, Peterbilt, and many other companies in the diesel equipment technology industry. 

The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate

Texas State Technical College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a Heavy Truck specialization, as well as a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology with a Heavy Truck specialization. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.