Davis Applied Technology College

Diesel/Heavy Duty Technology*  

The curriculum of the Diesel/Heavy Duty Technology program at Davis Applied Technology College is Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The program is designed to provide individuals with the education and training needed to service and repair a variety of diesel powered vehicles, engines, power systems, and heavy equipment. 

Through classroom instruction, students will learn theory of operation, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine system. In-depth lectures, class discussions, and written assignments, all play a part in developing each student’s thinking and reasoning skills, as well as their math and computer skills. Students will also acquire valuable job seeking skills.

Inside the training facility is where students get their hands dirty, obtaining hands-on training, as they learn how to troubleshoot, service, and repair, diesel engines, transmissions, differentials, heavy duty brakes, steering systems, suspension systems, hydraulic systems, diesel electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, and heavy duty HVAC systems. Students also learn engine rebuilding as they disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, using sophisticated diagnostic machines, gauges, volt meters, shop manuals, wiring schematics, hand tools, and power tools. Truck diagnostics as well as proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques are also taught.

Thanks to a partnership with Volvo/Mack, students are exposed to the latest technological advances in the commercial trucking industry, giving them the opportunity to work with engine design and micro-processing (students are selected by the instructor and can only gain admittance into the class if seating is available).

Accuracy, proficiency, teamwork, and time management will also be stressed throughout the program, as students learn to work both independently, and in groups, to finish each task assigned to them by their instructors. 

Occupational 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 Utah was $44,100 yearly and $21.20 hourly, just 2% lower than the national average. Utah wages for diesel mechanics range from $13.85 per hour to $30.96 per hour, with $21.20 per hour being the median wage.

Students who finish the Diesel/Heavy Duty Technology program at Davis Applied Technology College will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to qualify as entry-level diesel mechanics employed by commercial trucking fleets, bus lines, construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, farms, ranches, shipyards, train yards, and independent service garages.

The Undergraduate Certificate

Davis Applied Technology College offers a 13-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel/Heavy Duty Technology. This program is 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).