Cedar Valley College
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Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment
The curriculum of the Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment program at Cedar Valley College covers the service and repair of heavy-duty trucks, buses, marine vessels, diesel locomotives, bulldozers, earth movers, cranes, farm tractors, combines, and stationary diesel engines such as the ones used in generators, compressors, and pumps.
Students receive in-depth lectures in the classroom on topics such as diesel theory and the basics of the diesel engine system, including the construction, functions, and principles of operation of the modern diesel engine. Students also develop career-relevant computer skills, while they advance their mathematical computation, English comprehension, and diesel trade terminology through written assignments and academic research. Detailed textbooks and class discussions cover topics such as the U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, gear ratios, shop management, customer service protocol, and more.
Inside the state-of-the-art training facility is where students acquire valuable hands-on training, watching live demonstrations and receiving instructor guidance as they learn how to inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, brake systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, suspension and steering systems, tractor trailers, power trains, and automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Students will also gain hands-on experience in the proper procedures for performing preventive maintenance and inspection.
Students will learn on the most up-to-date computerized diagnostic equipment, as they diagnose and repair the computerized auxiliary systems found on today’s diesel engines. Service manuals, wiring schematics, precision measuring instruments, machine tools, power tools, and hand tools will all be used throughout the program as students learn how to repair and rebuild diesel engines and their integrated system components by disassembling, inspecting, testing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines.
Students will learn the value of teamwork and time management as they work both independently, and in groups, to successfully complete every task assigned to them by their instructors in a proficient and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, and ethics will also be stressed throughout the Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment program at Cedar Valley College.
The Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment Classes
The Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment program centers around the following classes:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems
- Preventative Maintenance
- Tractor Trailer Service and Repair
- Power Train I
- Advanced Brake Systems
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Cooperative Education – Automotive/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
Students are required to finish each class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
Career Outlook
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 Texas was $43,720 yearly and $21.02 hourly, just 3% lower than the national average.
Graduates of the Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment program at Cedar Valley College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level automotive and diesel technicians.
The Level I Undergraduate Certificate
Cedar Valley College offers a 48-week Level I Undergraduate Certificate in Automotive Technology/Diesel and Heavy Equipment. This program is Pell Grant eligible.