Snow College

Diesel & Heavy Duty Mechanics Technology  

The curriculum of the Diesel & Heavy Duty Mechanics Technology program at Snow College covers the service and repair of heavy duty trucks, equipment, and machinery, training students to become successful heavy duty diesel mechanics. Students may choose to pursue either an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel & Heavy Duty Mechanics Technology, or a Certificate of Proficiency in Diesel Engines, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Air Conditioning/Heating/Ventilation, Hydraulics, Drive Trains, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, or Preventive Maintenance.

Students are taught such topics as diesel theory and the fundamentals of the diesel engine in the classroom, learning about the design, functions, and principles of operation of the diesel engine system, through in-depth lectures, class participation, and study materials.

Students will strengthen their comprehension of English and Mathematics, while developing strong communication, analytical, and problem solving skills through the completion of written assignments. Computers and business applications will also be discussed.

Inside the state-of-the-art training facility is where students obtain valuable hands-on training,  as they learn how to inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, brakes, electrical systems, electronic systems, computerized engine controls, computerized fuel systems, emissions control systems, transmissions, drivetrains, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, steering systems, suspensions systems, and heating and air conditioning systems. Students will also gain hands-on experience with machine tools as well as welding for diesel mechanics.

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 diagrams, precision measuring instruments, machine tools, power tools, and hand tools will also 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 an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, and workplace ethics will also be stressed.

College and Beyond

Graduates of the Diesel & Heavy Duty Mechanics Technology program at Snow College can be confident that they will secure an entry-level position as a diesel mechanic in the diesel and heavy duty service and repair industry, just like the hundreds of students who have completed the program before them during the last 28 years. Occupational opportunities include working at bus companies, commercial trucking companies, construction companies, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, farms, ranches, shipyards, train yards, and independent service garages.

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.

The Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree

Snow College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel & Heavy Duty Mechanics Technology. This program is Pell Grant eligible.