Vatterott College

Diesel Mechanics  

The Diesel Mechanics program at Vatterott College provides specialized training, knowledge, and skills for students who wish to pursue a career in diesel engine repair or maintenance. 

The 70-week Diesel Mechanics program at Vatterott College is an educational training program that is split up into seven 10-week terms. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment as a diesel mechanic or heavy truck technician, servicing and repairing heavy trucks in a variety of sectors of the trucking and transportation industries, including trucking fleets, bus lines, and new truck dealerships.

Students are taught diesel theory in the classroom and acquire hands-on training through lab based applications on the shop floor as they test, repair, and maintain diesel engines, fuel injection systems, brakes, clutches, drivelines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and diesel electronic systems, using a variety of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, shop manuals, and specialized instruments. 

Working both independently and in groups, students will develop strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills that are vital to succeeding in today’s rapidly changing diesel industry. Students will also take part in an “externship” provided through the college’s partnerships with local career-relevant businesses.

Students who successfully graduate from the Diesel Mechanics program at Vatterott College will have what it takes to pursue a career as a professional diesel mechanic in fleet truck maintenance, automotive dealerships, and many other opportunities in the trucking industry.

The Diesel Technology Curriculum

The Diesel Technology program contains the following career-specific courses:

• Diesel Mechanic Basics
• Electrical & Electronic Systems for Medium to Heavy Duty Trucks
• Diesel Engines & Fuel Systems
• Drivelines & Brakes for Medium to Heavy Trucks I
• Drivelines & Brakes for Medium to Heavy Duty Trucks II
• Steering & Suspension
• Externship

Students are also required to take Skills for Successful Communication, Business Communication, and Technical Math in order to meet the 91.5 credit requirements of the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program. To be eligible to graduate, students must complete each course and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.

Occupational Opportunities

Graduates of the Diesel Mechanics program at Vatterott College possess the technical knowledge and specialized skills necessary for entry-level employment as a diesel mechanic or heavy truck technician, servicing and repairing heavy trucks in a variety of sectors of the trucking and transportation industries, including trucking fleets, bus lines, and new truck dealerships. Entry-level diesel mechanics can expect to be paid an annual salary of $28,130 and advance to $65,350 with even more experience.

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 Iowa was $39,410 yearly and $18.95 hourly, just 13% lower than the national average.

The Associate in Occupational Studies Degree

Vatterott College offers a 70-week Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Diesel Mechanics. This program is Pell Grant eligible. Certain students may qualify to receive the Kibbie Grant or the Iowa Grant to help supplement the cost of their education.