Texarkana College

Diesel Technology  

The Diesel Technology program at Texarkana College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the diesel technology field in order to meet the growing need for highly qualified diesel mechanics able to service, maintain, and repair today’s heavy-duty trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Through a hybrid of coursework and hands-on training, students acquire the technical knowledge and specialized skill needed to enter the diesel technology workforce. 

Students develop skills in English comprehension, mathematical computation, technical writing, and interpersonal communication inside the classroom. Through in-depth lectures, class discussions, and written assignments, students gain a fundamental understanding of diesel theory, including the construction, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine and its auxiliary sub-systems. Topics of study include gear ratios, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, alignment angles, U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, and more. Job-relevant computer skills and industry-specific terminology are also taught.

Inside the state-of-the-art lab, students acquire practical job-simulated hands-on experience, learning how to properly troubleshoot, repair, and maintain heavy duty diesel trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Students develop analytical, technical, and mechanical skills as they watch live demonstrations and receive instructor guidance, training in all areas of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, diesel electrical systems, electronic controls, power trains, brake systems, heavy duty engine performance, diesel hydraulic systems, heavy duty steering, heavy-duty suspension, and automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students also receive hands-on training in shop safety protocol, diesel engine testing and repair, HVAC troubleshooting and repair, and advanced diesel engine tune-up.

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling a variety of diesel engines and their auxiliary equipment systems using digital diagnostic equipment, service manuals, wiring schematics, electronic multi-meters, precision measuring instruments, lab scopes, power tools, hand tools, and machine tools, students gain a basic hands-on understanding of diesel engine and heavy equipment service and repair procedures. Students learn how to repair, recondition, or replace parts as necessary, through the engine rebuild and tune-up process.

Working both independently, and in groups, students learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and effective time management, completing each and every task assigned to them by their instructors with accuracy, speed, and precision. Quality workmanship, professionalism, and safety will also be discussed and practiced throughout the length of the Diesel Technology program at Texarkana College.

Graduation and Beyond 

Due to relatively high wages, a diesel powered economy, and a rapidly growing need for qualified diesel technicians, graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Texarkana College can be confident they will be rewarded with a highly successful and fulfilling career. Occupational opportunities include servicing and repairing buses, trucks, locomotives, marine vessels, farm equipment, mining equipment, logging equipment, construction equipment, and oil drilling rigs at commercial trucking companies, bus lines, train yards, shipyards, farms, ranches, construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, and independent repair shops.

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 Associate of Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate

Texarkana College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Texarkana College also offers a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.