City College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at City College is designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel technology field.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, students learn diesel engine theory and develop their mechanical and analytical skills as they inspect, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engines, brake systems, power trains, hydraulic systems, air conditioning and heating systems, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, and diesel electronic systems. Students also learn welding for diesel equipment mechanics.
Using service manuals, hand tools, computerized diagnostic machines, and specialized instruments, students learn diesel engine overhaul, hands-on, as they disassemble, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their system components. Students can choose to participate in the Cooperative Education Internship as well.
Each student will also learn about ethics and safety in the workplace while developing important communication and leaderships skills.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program consists of the following courses:
- Powertrains
- Introduction to Diesel Fuel Systems
- Diesel Engine Overhaul
- Introduction to Hydraulics
- Introduction to Hydraulics Lab
- Advanced Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Advanced Power Trains
- Heavy Duty Chassis
- Applied Diesel Service Operation I
- Applied Diesel Service Operations II
- Diesel Engine Diagnosis and Troubleshooting
- Advanced Fuel Systems and Diesel Engine Controls
- Environmental and Shop Practices
- Welding
- Vehicle Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Engine Theory
- Electrical Systems
Students are also required to take Introduction to Computers, Communicating in a Dynamic Workplace, Extended Technical Mathematics, and either Introduction to Technical Writing or Introduction to Business Writing in order to meet the 70 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. Some classes may have required prerequisites. Math and English requirements are based on the student’s performance on placement tests or credit transfers. In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade. Students are required to supply their own hand tools.
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Applied Science
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Applied Science program is made up of the following classes:
- Power Trains
- Introduction to Diesel Fuel Systems
- Introduction to Hydraulics
- Introduction to Hydraulics Lab
- Heavy Duty Chassis
- Environmental and Shop Practices
- Engine Theory
- Electrical Systems
Students are also required to take Communicating in a Dynamic Workplace, Technical Mathematics, and Workplace Communications in order to fulfill the 35 credit requirements of the Certificate of Applied Science program. Students must finish each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate. Students are required to supply their own hand tools.
Required Skills
Students interested in entering the Diesel Technology program should possess the following basic skills:
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Manual Dexterity
- Basic Math Skills
- Spatial Skills
- Basic Reading Skills
- Basic Writing Skills
- Basic Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Troubleshooting Skills
- Be in Good Physical Condition
From Graduation to Occupation
The job outlook for diesel mechanics employed in Montana is expected to grow 11% through 2016 and 12% nationwide through 2018, the average for all occupations. Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at City College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to gain entry-level employment in the diesel technology field. Prospective employers include major dealerships, truck, tractor, and automotive shops, specialty shops, heavy-duty construction companies, agricultural businesses, mining companies, and logging companies. The median salary for a diesel mechanic employed in Montana is currently $40,505, while the median salary for diesel mechanics employed nationwide is $41,105, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Job Placement Rate
In 2013, there were 17 students who graduated from the Diesel Technology program at City College. Of the 17 that graduated, 12 students secured entry-level jobs in the diesel technology field, bringing the industry-related job placement rate to 70%, and the overall job placement rate to 97%. One student was continuing their education, one student was still seeking employment, and the other three students did not respond. Of the 12 students that secured employment, the average annual salary was $38,438.
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 Montana was $38,770 yearly and $18.64 hourly, 14% lower than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate of Applied Science
City College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology as well as a one-year Certificate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.