Laredo Community College
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Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair
The Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair program offered at Laredo Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the heavy truck industry. Students have the option of specializing in either Diesel Electronics or Heavy Truck Undercarriage. The Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair program is a hybrid of classroom instruction and practical hands-on training, allowing students to build job-ready skills in a real-world repair shop environment, while being trained and mentored by ASE Master Certified instructors.
In the classroom, students learn diesel theory and the basic fundamentals of the diesel engine system, developing important thinking and reasoning skills and effective communication skills through lectures, class participation, and written assignments.
In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire the hands-on training needed to properly inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, brake systems, electrical systems, electronic control systems, hydraulic systems, steering systems, suspension systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students will also gain hands-on experience in diesel engine tune-up and troubleshooting, as well as shop safety procedures, proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques, and tractor trailer service and repair.
By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated equipment systems using digital diagnostic machines, hand tools, gauges, electronic multi-meters, shop manuals, and power tools, students learn, hands-on, how to properly inspect, maintain, and repair entire diesel engine and heavy equipment systems, inside and out.
Strong communication skills, effective time management, and a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the program. Students will be expected to work both independently, and as a team, to successfully complete each task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety and proper handling of hazardous materials according to OSHA regulations will also be discussed and practiced during the year-long Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair program at Laredo Community College.
The Diesel Electronics Specialization Curriculum
The curriculum of the Diesel Electronics Specialization Undergraduate Certificate consists of the following specialized courses:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Basic Brake Systems
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Tractor Trailer Service and Repair
- Steering & Suspension I
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair I
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair II
- Electronic Controls
- Advanced Diesel Tune-up & Troubleshooting (Capstone)
- Cooperative Education
Students are required to finish each course and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Heavy Truck Undercarriage Specialization Curriculum
The curriculum of the Heavy Truck Undercarriage Specialization Undergraduate Certificate consists of the following specialized courses:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Basic Brake Systems
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Steering & Suspension I
- Power Train I
- Power Train II
- Basic Hydraulics
- Advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Advanced Brake Systems
- Failure Analysis
- Cooperative Education
Students are required to finish each course and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
Graduation and Beyond
Students who finish the Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair program at Laredo Community College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level diesel technicians specializing in Diesel Electronics or Heavy Truck Undercarriage service and repair.
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.
The One-Year Undergraduate Certificate
Laredo Community College offers a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair with a Diesel Electronics specialization. Laredo Community College also offers a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair with a Heavy Truck Undercarriage specialization. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.