Klamath Community College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Klamath Community College is designed to give students high quality training and skills development in eight areas of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) including, Diesel Engine, Drive Train, Brakes, Steering and Suspension, Electronic Systems, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Preventive Maintenance and Inspection, and Commercial Driver Training. Students train on state-of-the-art equipment and are guided by industry experienced instructors. Enrollment is limited, requiring individuals who are interested in the program to undergo a special application process.
In the classroom, students develop skills in reading, written communication, computation, and critical thinking. Through in-depth lectures, class participation, and written assignments, students gain a basic understanding of diesel engine theory and service, engine design, and the principles of operation of the diesel engine system. Technical topics, such as gear ratios, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, alignment angles, and the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, are just a small part of the curriculum of the Diesel Technology program at Klamath Community College.
In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire valuable diesel-specific experience, learning hands-on, how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy duty diesel trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Students develop analytical, technical, and mechanical skills as they are carefully guided by their instructors, training in all areas of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, diesel electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, heavy duty drive trains, fuel delivery systems, heavy duty engine performance, diesel hydraulic systems, heavy duty steering and suspension, and diesel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Preventative maintenance and light duty diesel applications are also taught.
By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their intricate system components, using advanced diagnostic equipment, service manuals, wiring schematics, electronic test meters, precision measuring tools, power tools, and hand tools, students gain a basic hands-on understanding of diesel engine and heavy equipment service and repair procedures.
Working both independently, and in teams, students learn the importance of interpersonal communication and effective time management, completing each assignment given to them by their instructors with accuracy and proficiency. Ethics, integrity, quality workmanship, and professionalism are also stressed throughout the two-year program. In fact, by the end of the training program, students will be highly knowledgeable about industry safety standards, be able to complete the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests, and be able to correctly complete a job application and write an effective resume.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree
The Diesel Technology Associates Degree program is comprised of the following industry-focused classes:
- Diesel Industry Skills Training
- Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Theory & Service -Diesel
- Heavy Duty Drive Trains I
- Heavy Duty Drive Trains II
- Fuel Delivery Systems I
- Fuel Delivery Systems II
- Diesel HVAC Systems
- Heavy Duty Engine Performance
- Diesel Hydraulic Systems
- Heavy Duty Steering & Suspension
- Preventative Maintenance
- Light Duty Diesel Applications
Students are also required to take First Aid & Industrial Safety, College Survival & Success, Intro to Computer Applications, Fundamentals of Speech, Elementary Algebra, English Composition I, Psychology & Human Relations, in order to meet the 95 credit hour requirements of the Diesel Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students are required to finish each class and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Occupational Outlook
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Klamath Community College will not only be ready to take the ASE certification exams, they will possess all the basic skills necessary to gain entry-level employment as qualified diesel mechanics, servicing and repairing medium and heavy duty diesel powered trucks and machinery. Occupational opportunities include working for commercial trucking companies, construction companies, mining companies, logging companies, oil and natural gas exploration and extraction companies, and at shipyards, train yards, agricultural dealerships, parts warehouses, 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 Oregon was $46,160 yearly and $22.19 hourly, 2% higher than the national average.
The Two-Year Associate in Applied Science Degree
Klamath Community College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. This program is Pell Grant eligible.