Lake Tech

Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician  

Students who are accepted into the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician program at Lake Tech will receive the specialized knowledge and training needed to be able to properly diagnose, maintain, and repair diesel engines and medium and heavy duty diesel equipment. Students are taught by industry experts, receiving specialized knowledge in the classroom and hands-on training in the laboratory.

Using computer diagnostic software, hand tools, power tools, and machinery, students will learn how to properly troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair various components of the diesel engine system including diesel engines, diesel subsystems, electrical and electronic systems, power train, transmissions, hydraulic systems, air conditioning and heating, brakes and air brakes, and heavy duty steering and suspension. Students will also receive hands-on training in basic welding techniques. 

The Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Level I Certificate

The curriculum of the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Level I Certificate consists of the following courses:

• Diesel Engine Mechanic/Technician Helper (150 clock hours)
• Diesel Electrical and Electronics Technician (300 clock hours)
• Diesel Engine Technician (300 clock hours)
• Diesel Brakes Technician (300 clock hours)

In order to graduate, students must complete the clock hours designated for each course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.

The Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Level II Certificate

The curriculum of the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Level II Certificate consists of the following courses:

• Diesel Engine Preventative Maintenance Technician (150 clock hours)
• Diesel Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (150 clock hours)
• Diesel Steering and Suspension Technician (150 clock hours)
• Diesel Drivetrain Technician (150 clock hours)
• Diesel Hydraulics Technician (150 clock hours)

Students are required to complete the clock hours designated for each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.

Steps to Enroll

Students who are interested in enrolling into the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Training program must complete the following steps:

1. Apply for financial aid, if applicable.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Take the TABE and/or placement tests.
4. Meet with a counselor/career adviser.
5. Register and pay tuition and fees.
6. Purchase books and supplies.
7. Complete the new student orientation online prior to the first day of class.

Required Book List

Students accepted into the program are required to purchase or rent the following books:

1. CDX Medium & Heavy Vehicle (1 yr) Online Access Pack Codes (ISBN# 9781284067316, 1st ed.)
2. CDX Medium & Heavy Vehicle (2 yr) Online Access Pack Codes (ISBN# 9781284067309, 1st ed.)
3. Fundamentals of Medium-Heavy Duty Diesel Engines Textbook (ISBN# 9781284067057, Jones & Bartlett, 1st ed.)
4. Fundamentals of Medium-Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicle Systems Textbook (ISBN# 9781284041163, Jones & Bartlett, 1st ed.) 

From Graduation to Occupation

Graduates of the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician program at Lake Tech will be well-equipped with the basic knowledge, skills, and work attitude necessary to secure and hold an entry-level job as a diesel mechanic in the medium and heavy duty truck and bus industries. Recent employers of Lake Tech Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician program graduates include Gentec Equipment, Lake County Schools Transportation Department, the United States Army, and Kensworth of Orlando.

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

The Undergraduate Certificate

Lake Tech offers a Level I Undergraduate Certificate in Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Training. Lake Tech also offers a Level II Undergraduate Certificate in Medium/Heavy Duty Truck & Bus Technician Training. This program is Pell Grant eligible.