Crawford County Career Technical Center

Diesel Technology  

The three-year long Diesel Technology program at the Crawford County Career Technical Center includes the detailed study of the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of diesel engine systems utilized by heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment used in the automotive, agricultural, trucking, construction, and recreational vehicle industries. Students are also able to prepare and test for the Pennsylvania Inspection License.

In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the basics of the diesel engine system, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine and its integrated sub-systems. Students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, while strengthening their mathematical computation and English comprehension skills through lively discussions, detailed learning materials, and class assignments. Topics of discussion include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, effective shop management, customer service, and more.

In the training facility, students observe live demonstrations and gain practical hands-on experience, carefully guided by their instructors as they learn how to test, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, air brakes, hydraulic brakes, electrical systems, electronic systems, cooling systems, air intake systems, exhaust systems, suspension and steering systems, drive trains, fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students also learn the proper procedures for performing preventive maintenance and inspections. 

Using shop manuals, hand tools, machine tools, power tools, computerized diagnostic equipment, gauges, and wiring diagrams, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, learning hands-on, how to perform diesel engine overhaul and tune-up.

Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude and develop important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills. Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and effective time management as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed. Ethics, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Technology program at the Crawford County Career Technical Center. 

From Graduation to Occupation

High school students who finish the Diesel Technology program at the Crawford County Career Technical Center will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level diesel mechanics.

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 Pennsylvania was $42,770 yearly and $20.56 hourly, just 6% lower than the national average.

The Certificate of Vocational Studies

The Crawford County Career Technical Center offers a three-year Certificate of Vocational Studies in Diesel Technology. This program is available to high school students only.