Pickens Technical College
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Diesel Power Mechanics
Students who are accepted into the Diesel Power Mechanics program at Pickens Technical College will receive specialized medium and heavy truck knowledge and training. Students are taught by ASE/NATEF certified and industry experienced instructors in both the classroom and the laboratory.
Through hands-on training, students will learn how to properly use technical manuals, computers, and hand tools to perform tasks in five specialized classes of Diesel Power Mechanics including:
- Brakes
- Diesel Engines
- Electronics and Computers
- Preventive Maintenance
- Steering and Suspension
Each specialized class is designed to prepare students for its corresponding ASE Medium and Heavy Truck Certification Test.
Students who complete the Diesel Power Mechanics program at Pickens Technical College will be well-equipped with the basic knowledge, skills, and work attitude necessary to secure and hold an entry-level job as a medium and heavy truck diesel technician in a rapidly growing industry.
The Introduction to Diesel Technology Certificate
The curriculum of the Introduction to Diesel Technology Certificate program contains the following courses:
- Cab & Electrical Preventive Maintenance Inspection
- Heavy Duty Brakes I
- Heavy Duty Brakes II
- Drivetrain & Steering Preventive Maintenance Inspection
- Heavy-Duty Lighting & Instrumentation
- Basic Auto Electricity (ASE)
- Starting and Charging Systems (ASE)
- Auto/Diesel Body Electrical (ASE)
- Engine Systems Preventive Maintenance Inspection (ASE)
- Brake Systems Preventive Maintenance Inspection (ASE)
Students are required to complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Advanced Diesel Technology Certificate
The curriculum of the Advanced Diesel Technology Certificate program consists of the following classes:
- Diesel Engines I
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Heavy Duty Steering & Suspension I
- Diesel Engines II
- Diesel Air Induction & Exhaust
- Internship
- Heavy Duty Steering & Suspension II
In order to graduate, students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Equipment Technology Certificate
The curriculum of the Diesel Equipment Technology Certificate program is made up of the following courses:
- Diesel Engines I
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Heavy Duty Steering & Suspension I
- Diesel Engines II
- Diesel Air Induction & Exhaust
- Heavy Duty Steering & Suspension II
- Cab & Electrical Preventive Maintenance Inspection
- Heavy Duty Brakes I
- Heavy Duty Brakes II
- Drivetrain & Steering Preventive Maintenance Inspection
- Heavy-Duty Lighting & Instrumentation
- Basic Auto Electricity (ASE)
- Starting and Charging Systems (ASE)
- Auto/Diesel Body Electrical (ASE)
- Engine Systems Preventive Maintenance Inspection (ASE)
- Brake Systems Preventive Maintenance Inspection (ASE)
- Internship
Students must complete each class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
Job 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 Colorado was $46,020 yearly and $22.13 hourly, 2% higher than the national average.
Students who finish the Diesel Power Mechanics program at Pickens Technical College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level diesel technicians employed by public transportation companies, commercial trucking companies, construction companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, independent service garages, and on farms and ranches.
The Two-Year Undergraduate Certificate and Specialized Undergraduate Certificate
Pickens Technical College offers a two-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Power Mechanics, as well as a two-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology, a one-year Advanced Diesel Technology Certificate, and a one-year Introduction to Diesel Technology Certificate. Pickens Technical College also offers Undergraduate Certificates in specialized areas of the Diesel Power Mechanics program. The one-year and two-year Certificate programs are all Pell Grant eligible. Certain students may qualify for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) to help pay for their education.
*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).