Community College of Aurora

Diesel Power Mechanics  

The Diesel Power Mechanics program at the Community College of Aurora provides specialized training, knowledge, and skills for students who desire to learn how to diagnose, repair, and maintain Caterpillar diesel engines, drilling equipment, hydraulics, agricultural sprayers, bulldozers, pavers, and other heavy duty diesel machinery. Paid tuition and tool allowances are just two of the benefits students will gain by working as a part-time Wagner employee during their first year in the program.

Through classroom instruction and lab activities, students will learn hands-on how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy duty diesel equipment using technical manuals, computers, and hand tools.

Graduates of the Diesel Power Mechanics program at the Community College of Aurora will earn a full-time position at Wagner for the next two years. 

How to Get Accepted into the Diesel Power Mechanics Program

In order to be accepted into the Diesel Power Mechanics program at the Community College of Aurora, applicants must be:

• Able to immediately enter English Tech and Career Math courses through Accuplacer testing.
• 18 years of age and a legal citizen of the United States.
• Legally qualified to work in the U.S.
• Willing to meet with Wagner hiring staff for an interview and two hands-on, timed exams.
• Willing to make a combined three-year commitment.

The Diesel Power Mechanics Curriculum

The Diesel Power Mechanics program offers the following core classes:

• Diesel Shop Safety 
• Introduction to Diesel Mechanics 
• Heavy-Duty Powertrain I 
• Heavy-Duty Powertrain II 
• Heavy-Duty Brakes II 
• Heavy-Duty Steering and Suspension I 
• Hydraulic Systems I 
• Hydraulic Systems II 
• Basic Auto Electricity 
• Starting and Charging Systems 
• Auto/Diesel Body Electrical 
• Diesel Engines I 
• Diesel Engines II 
• Diesel Fuel Systems 
• Diesel Air Induction 
• Preventive Maintenance I

Students are also required to take Technical Writing I, Technical Writing II, Career Mathematics, Interpersonal Communications, and Introduction to PC Applications in order to fulfill the 60 credit requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. Please note that in order to graduate, students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.

From Graduation to Occupation

Graduates of the Diesel Power Mechanics program offered at the Community College of Aurora will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level diesel mechanics employed by bus lines, commercial trucking companies, construction companies, oil and natural gas exploration and extraction companies, logging companies, mining companies, rail transportation and shipping companies, farms, ranches, and 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 Colorado was $46,020 yearly and $22.13 hourly, 2% higher than the national average (BLS 2017, [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm]).

The Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Power Mechanics

The Community College of Aurora offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Power Mechanics. This program is Pell Grant eligible. Certain students may qualify for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) to help pay for their education.