Williston State College
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Transportation Technician Technology*
The Transportation Technician Technology program at Williston State College teaches students all aspects of diesel and heavy equipment service and repair.
Students learn diesel engine theory in the classroom and obtain valuable hands-on training in the lab, using the latest diagnostic equipment and current industry techniques, as they troubleshoot, maintain, and repair diesel engines, diesel electrical systems, electronic fuel systems, drive train systems, brake systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, suspension and steering systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Each student will learn how to properly test, diagnose, and repair diesel electronic and mechanical engines as they perform tune-ups and overhauls. Students also gain valuable hands-on experience in shop safety practices and diesel mechanic welding.
Students also strengthen their problem-solving skills, time management skills, and mechanical skills as they complete every task assigned to them by the instructor with speed and accuracy. Each student will learn effective communication and leaderships skills while ensuring that shop safety, ethics, and a positive workplace attitude are maintained throughout the program. Proper handling of hazardous materials according to strict OSHA regulations will also be taught and practiced.
The Transportation Technician Technology Heavy Duty Vehicle Option
The curriculum of the Transportation Technician Technology A.A.S. Degree with Heavy Duty Vehicle Option program includes the following career-specific classes:
- Maintenance Procedures
- Intro to Diesel Engines
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Intro/Fuel/Ignition Systems
- Hydraulics/Pneumatic Systems
- Brakes Systems
- Suspension & Steering Systems
- Advanced Electronic/Fuel Systems
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Cooling Systems
- Drive Train Systems
- Shop Practices/Welding
- Diesel Engine Diagnostics/Repair
Students are also required to take a general education class in Math or Science or Computer Science, Communication, Wellness, and one Humanities or Social Science Elective, in order to fulfill the 62 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree Heavy Duty Vehicle Option program. In order to graduate, every student is required to complete each class and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
From Graduation to Occupation
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 North Dakota was $49,140 yearly and $23.63 hourly, 9% higher than the national average.
Over the past ten years, employment opportunities in the diesel technology field have more than doubled. Graduates of the Transportation Technician/Diesel Technology program at Williston State College will have the education and training needed to secure an entry-level position as a diesel truck and heavy equipment mechanic at independent service garages, truck fleet companies, truck dealerships, heavy construction companies, rail yards, mining companies, oil extraction companies, agricultural equipment dealers, farms, and ranches.
The Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree
Williston State College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Transportation Technician Technology with a Heavy Duty Vehicle option. This program is Pell Grant eligible.
*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).