Western Tech

Diesel Mechanic Training*

The Diesel Mechanic Training program offered at Western Tech is ASE Master Certified in Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Training by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The instructors have years of industry experience, teaching and guiding students on how to troubleshoot, diagnose, adjust, repair, overhaul, and maintain all types of diesel engines, from the medium and heavy-duty engines that drive the nation’s trucks and buses, to the large diesel engines that power today’s ships and locomotives.

Western Tech offers diesel mechanic students four different part-time and full-time Associate Degree programs, each specializing in a different area of diesel mechanics. Students may also choose the 14-month Completion Certificate program that gives students a fast-track into their chosen career-field. Plus, thanks to an ongoing partnership with local industry leaders, students of Western Tech’s Diesel Mechanic Training program have the opportunity to take part in an internship, gaining real-world job experience while they’re still in school.

In the classroom, students learn diesel theory and the basic fundamentals of the diesel engine system, developing critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving skills through lectures, class participation, detailed study materials, textbooks, and written assignments. Students are versed in diesel technology terminology and learn job-relevant computer skills. Technical writing, technical mathematics, and industry-relevant topics of study that include gear ratios, electrical circuitry, cubic inch displacement, and the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, alignment angles, customer service protocol, shop management, service record-keeping, and more, prepares each student for the highly competitive job field.

In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire the hands-on training needed to properly inspect, test, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, power trains, brake systems, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, electronic control systems, hydraulic systems, steering and suspension systems, charging systems, starting systems, on-board circuits, chassis, frames, and automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as climate control systems. Students will also gain hands-on experience in basic cutting and welding processes, as well as proper preventive maintenance and inspection procedures.

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated auxiliary systems using computerized diagnostic machines, technical manuals, wiring schematics, circuit diagrams, lab scopes, electronic multi-meters, precision measuring instruments, gauges, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, pneumatic wrenches, grinders, lathes, torch cutters, and welding equipment, students learn, hands-on, how to perform diesel engine rebuilds and tune-ups, repairing, reconditioning, and replacing parts as necessary.

Students will be expected to work both independently and in groups to successfully complete each task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety and the proper handling of hazardous materials according to strict OSHA regulations will also be discussed and practiced. Attention to details, accuracy, and quality workmanship will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Mechanic Training program at Western Tech.

ASE Master Certified Program

Thanks to the ASE Master Certified Truck Technician Training curriculum, students receive training in eight core areas:

1. Truck Diesel Engines
2. Truck Drive Train
3. Truck Brakes
4. Truck Suspension & Steering
5. Truck Electrical & Electronic Systems
6. Truck Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
7. Truck Hydraulics
8. Truck Preventative Maintenance

From Graduation to Occupation 

Students who successfully complete the Diesel Mechanic Training program at Western Tech can rest assured that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to secure an entry-level position in the diesel and heavy equipment maintenance and repair industry. Graduates may choose to become professional:

• Diesel Mechanics
  
• Diesel Technicians
  
• Transit Mechanics
  
• Heavy Equipment Mechanics
  
• Diesel Engine Specialists
  
• Diesel Power Plant Mechanics
  
• Heavy Truck Technicians
• Independent Repair Shop Owners

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 Occupational Studies Degree and Certificate of Completion

Western Tech offers a 20-month full-time Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Diesel Mechanics, as well as a 25-month part-time Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Diesel Mechanics. Western Tech also offers a 20-month full-time Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Diesel Mechanics with a Light Duty Diesel Mechanic specialization, as well as a 25-month part-time Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Diesel Mechanics with a Light Duty Diesel Mechanic specialization. Western Tech also offers a 14-month Certificate of Completion in Diesel Mechanics. All five programs are Pell Grant eligible. 

*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)