Great Plains Technology Center
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Diesel Technology*
The Diesel Technology program at Great Plains Technology Center provides students with the education and training needed to service, troubleshoot, and repair diesel trucks and heavy machinery.
In the classroom, students learn about the purpose, design features, and principles of operation of medium and heavy duty diesel trucks and equipment.
In the laboratory, students observe instructor-led demonstrations and receive hands-on training on how to properly inspect equipment, diagnose and repair problems, and perform proper preventive maintenance on diesel engines, heavy equipment, diesel electronic systems, electrical systems, power trains, medium and heavy duty truck brake systems, suspension and steering systems, and transportation climate control systems.
By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated system components, with sophisticated computerized diagnostic machines, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and hand tools, students acquire the technical knowledge and specialized skills needed to succeed in the diesel and heavy equipment repair field.
Students will also learn about the value of teamwork and effective time management while developing strong communication skills, as they work alone and in groups to complete the assignments given to them by their instructors proficiently and accurately.
The Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Service & Light Repair Technician Certificate
The Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Service & Light Repair Technician Certificate program is comprised of the following courses:
- Introduction and Orientation to Diesel Technology
- Diesel Electricity Introduction
- Preventive Maintenance Inspection
- Medium Heavy Truck Brakes
- Diesel Electricity Fundamentals
- Diesel Electricity Advanced
- Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Heating and Air Conditioning Introduction
- Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Heating and Air Conditioning Advanced
- Introduction to Computers and Applications
- Transportation, Service Management, Operation & Supervision
- Preventive Maintenance Service
- Medium/Heavy Truck Steering and Suspension
- Diesel Engine Systems
- Diesel Engine Specialization
- Workforce Staging
The Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Service & Light Repair Technician Certificate program consists of a total of 430 clock hours of lecture time and 620 clock hours of lab time for a total of 1050 clock hours. In order to graduate, students are required to complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career Outlook
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at Great Plains Technology Center will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to gain employment as a qualified diesel mechanic in the diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry. Graduates can expect to secure an entry-level position at diesel truck dealerships, heavy equipment dealerships, fleet shops, and independent service garages.
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 Oklahoma was $40,550 yearly and $19.49 hourly, just 11% lower than the national average.
The Undergraduate Certificate
Great Plains Technology Center offers a 9-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology with a Med/Heavy Diesel Truck Service & Light Repair Technician concentration. This program is Pell Grant eligible.
*Course is aligned with the hours and tasks of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).