Lane 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 Lane Community College is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and is designed to prepare students to become professional diesel mechanics qualified to service and repair highway trucks, construction equipment, forklifts, marine craft, recreation vehicles, locomotives, and farm machinery.
In the classroom, students are taught diesel theory and learn the fundamentals of the diesel engine, through in-depth lectures, study, and written assignments. Students develop comprehension, computation, communication, and customer service skills as well as critical thinking and reasoning skills. Gear ratios, units of measurement, technical mathematics, and the differences between the U.S. standard system and metric system of measurement are all discussed and practiced in class.
In the state-of-the-art laboratory, students learn, hands-on, about the features and functions of the diesel engine and its integrated system components, including heavy equipment hydraulic systems, braking systems, diesel electrical systems, electronic systems, heavy equipment chassis, heavy equipment power trains, diesel and auxiliary fuel systems, and mobile air conditioning systems. Each student is also guided by the instructor as they perform diesel engine overhaul by disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines, using computerized diagnostic equipment, precision measuring instruments, service manuals, wiring diagrams, digital test meters, power tools, and hand tools. Students also acquire hands-on training in shielded metal arc welding and wire drive welding.
As students work independently and in groups, they are taught the value of teamwork and how to manage their time effectively, completing each hands-on assignment with precision and accuracy. Shop safety and the proper procedures for handling hazardous materials according to OSHA regulations are also discussed and practiced throughout the program.
The Diesel Technology program at Lane Community College groom individuals to become ethical, professional, safety-minded diesel mechanics, able to service, repair, and maintain today’s rapidly changing diesel trucks and heavy equipment in a variety of environments and situations.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree*
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program is made up of the following career-specific classes:
- Heavy Equipment Hydraulics
- Heavy Duty Braking Systems
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
- Heavy Equipment Chassis and Power Trains
- Diesel and Auxiliary Fuel Systems
- Manufacturing Technology
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
- Diesel Electrical Systems
- Wire Drive Welding I
- Diesel Engines and Engine Overhaul
- Co-op Ed: Diesel (optional elective)
Students are also required to take Beginning Algebra, Phys Ed/Health, Human Relations, Introduction to College Writing: Workplace Emphasis, Applied Geometry for Technicians, Concepts of Computing: Information Processing, and Arts and Letters, in order to meet the 111 credit requirements of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program. To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete each class and maintain at least a “C-” grade or better.
The Diesel Technology Completion Certificate*
The Diesel Technology Completion Certificate program is comprised of the following industry-relevant courses:
- Heavy Equipment Hydraulics
- Heavy Duty Braking Systems
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
- Heavy Equipment Chassis and Power Trains
- Diesel and Auxiliary Fuel Systems
- Manufacturing Technology
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
- Diesel Electrical Systems
- Wire Drive Welding I
- Diesel Engines and Engine Overhaul
Students must also take Beginning Algebra or Applied Geometry for Technicians, Human Relations, Introduction to College Writing: Workplace Emphasis, and one Phys Ed/Health Elective in order to fulfill the 97 credit hour requirements of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Completion Certificate program. 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.
Graduation and Beyond
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at Lane Community College will be equipped with the technical knowledge and mechanical skill to secure entry-level employment as qualified diesel mechanics servicing, repairing, and maintaining medium and heavy duty diesel trucks and industrial machinery. Employment opportunities include working for commercial trucking fleets, heavy equipment dealers, on and off-highway truck dealerships, public transportation, school districts, municipalities, independent repair shops, and for logging, mining, natural gas and oil exploration and drilling companies. Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Lane Community College may also choose to work for shipyards, train yards, electric power plants, and on large farms and ranches.
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 and Certificate of Completion
Lane Community College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Lane Community College also offers a two-year Certificate of Completion in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.
*Program is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).