Central Community College
Let Truck Driving Schools Info Connect You With a Quality Diesel Mechanic School Near You!
The schools in our network hold one or more of the following quality standards:
- Hands-On Training
- ASE Certified Instructors
- Nationally Recognized Accreditation
- Job Placement Assistance for Those Who Qualify
Just click the orange "Find Your School!" button below and request information from the schools near you. Hurry! Classes are filling up fast!
Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Central Community College is designed to provide students with the education and training needed to begin a high-paying career as a diesel mechanic.
Students develop analytical skills in the classroom and technical skills in the shop as they gain valuable hands-on experience on all systems of diesel trucks, farm equipment, and construction equipment.
Inside a brand new state-of-the-art facility, students learn how to properly inspect, test, and repair diesel engines, brake systems, computerized fuel systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning and heating systems, power trains, electrical systems, and electronic systems. Students also learn proper preventive maintenance techniques for diesel and heavy equipment vehicles.
Using technical manuals, hand tools, computerized diagnostic machines, and specialized instruments, students will disassemble, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components. Industry partners such as Caterpillar, Nebraska Machinery Company (NMC), and Cummins provide sponsorship and scholarship opportunities for students who are accepted into the Diesel Technology program at Central Community College.
The Diesel Technology Associates Degree
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program contains the following career-relevant classes:
- Basic Shop Practices
- Standard Hardware
- Special Tools
- Preventative Maintenance
- Manual Transmissions & Clutches
- Fundamentals of Diesel Electrical Systems
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Fuel Injection Theory
- Truck Diesel Engines I
- Truck Diesel Engines II
- Advanced Diesel Electrical Systems
- Computerized Fuel Systems
- Multiplexed Vehicle Systems
- Diesel Equipment Maintenance
Students must also select from one of the following specializations:
Diesel Agriculture & Construction Specialization
- Heavy Equipment Drive Systems I
- Heavy Equipment Drive Systems II
- Hydraulic Fundamentals & Basic Pumps
- Advanced Hydraulic Pumps
- Hydraulic Valves & Lift Circuits
- Hydraulic Steering, Actuators & Accumulators
- Program Elective Courses
Diesel On-Highway Truck Specialization
- Truck Power Trains )
- Twin Disc Clutches
- Air Brake Supply & Controls
- Foundation Brakes & ABS
- Steering & Suspension
- Program Elective Courses
Diesel Power Generation Specialization
- Twin Disc Clutches
- Electrical Theory
- Electrical Codes
- Motor Controls
- Transformer & Rotating Machine
- Program Elective Courses
Students must also take various general education classes to meet the minimum 70 credit requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. 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 Diesel Technology Diploma
The Diesel Technology Diploma program consists the following industry-specific courses:
- Basic Shop Practices
- Standard Hardware
- Special Tools
- Preventative Maintenance
- Manual Transmissions & Clutches
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Fuel Injection Theory
- Truck Diesel Engines I
- Program Elective Courses from DSLT
In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Basic Mechanics Certificate
The Basic Mechanics Certificate program is made up of the following industry-specific classes:
- Basic Shop Practices
- Standard Hardware
- Special Tools
- Preventative Maintenance
- Manual Transmissions & Clutches
- Heating & Air Conditioning
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 Hydraulics Certificate
The curriculum of the Hydraulics Certificate program is comprised of the following courses:
- Heavy Equipment Drive Systems I
- Heavy Equipment Drive Systems II
- Hydraulic Fundamentals & Basic Pumps
- Advanced Hydraulic Pumps
- Hydraulic Valves & Lift Circuits
- Hydraulic Steering, Actuators & Accumulators
Students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Electrical Diesel Certificate
The curriculum of the Electrical Diesel Certificate program contains the following courses:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Fundamentals of Diesel Electrical Systems
- Advanced Diesel Electrical Systems
- Computerized Fuel Systems
- Multiplexed Vehicle Systems
Students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Truck Systems Certificate
The Truck Systems Certificate program is made up of the following classes:
- Truck Power Trains
- Twin Disc Clutches
- Air Brake Supply & Controls
- Foundation Brakes & ABS
- Steering & Suspension
In order to graduate, students must complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Engine Performance Certificate
The curriculum of the Engine Performance Certificate program is comprised of the following classes:
- Fuel Injection Theory
- Truck Diesel Engines I
- Truck Diesel Engines II
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.
From Graduation to Occupation
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Central Community College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to gain employment in the diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry and can expect to secure an entry-level position as a bus and truck mechanic, farm equipment mechanic, service technician, industrial machinery mechanic, automotive specialty technician, parts specialist, or construction equipment mechanic. Entry-level salaries range from $15.16 to $18.70 per hour.
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 Nebraska was $40,670 yearly and $19.55 hourly, 10% lower than the national average. Entry-level diesel mechanics can expect to be paid an annual salary of $28,130 and advance to $65,350 with more job experience.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diesel Technology Diploma, and Diesel Technology Certificate
Central Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology as well as a one-year Diesel Technology Diploma. Central Community College also offers Diesel Technology Certificates in various specializations, including Basic Mechanics, Hydraulics, Truck Systems, Electrical Diesel, and Engine Performance. The two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program and the one-year Diesel Technology Diploma program are Pell Grant eligible.