Parkland College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Rend Lake College provides specialized training, knowledge, and skills for students who wish to pursue a career in diesel engine repair or maintenance.
Classroom instruction in diesel theory and hands-on training provide each student with the opportunity to learn diesel engines, diesel accessories, hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, ignition and electrical systems, transmissions, power trains, agriculture equipment air conditioning systems, diesel engine overhaul, and welding processes.
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Rend Lake College will have a thorough knowledge of servicing diesel systems and diesel equipment and will be qualified to secure and hold an entry-level position in the diesel service technician or diesel mechanics occupation.
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree Program
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology Associate Degree program is made up of the following classes:
First Semester
- Diesel Engines
- Diesel Accessories
- Rhetoric and Composition
- Health Education or
- Basic First Aid
- Introduction to Psychology or
- Human Relations
Second Semester
- Physics of Hydraulics
- Principles of Effective Speaking
- Basic Diesel Fuel Systems
- Supervised Occupational Experience
- General Education Elective
Third Semester
- Ignition and Electrical Systems
- Applied Mathematics or
- Math Elective
- Transmission and Power Trains
- Intermediate Diesels
Fourth semester
- Ag Air Conditioning Systems
- Advanced Major Overhaul
- Advanced Diesels
- Supervised Occupational Experience
It is recommended that students also take Introduction to Welding Process. Students must finish each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate
The Diesel Technology Occupational Certificate Program
The Diesel Technology Occupational Certificate program consists of the following courses:
First Semester
- Diesel Engines
- Diesel Accessories
Second Semester
- Ag Air Conditioning Systems
- Basic Diesel Fuel Systems
- Heavy Equipment Alignment or
- Approved Elective
- Heavy Equipment Brakes or
- Approved Elective
In order to graduate from the program, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career 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 Illinois was $47,340 yearly and $22.76 hourly, 5% higher than the national average.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree and Occupational Certificate
Rend Lake College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. San Joaquin Delta College also offers a 30-week Occupational Certificate in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.