Uintah Basin Applied Technology College

Heavy Duty Diesel  

Today’s diesel mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair the mechanical, electrical, electronic, and hydraulic components of heavy duty trucks and diesel powered equipment. The Heavy Duty Diesel program at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College is designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and specialized skills necessary to properly diagnose, adjust, repair, and maintain heavy duty diesel trucks and equipment.

All courses in the program are taught according to guidelines set forth by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), properly preparing graduates to pass the ASE certification exams.

In the classroom, students acquire academic proficiency in such topics as Diesel Theory, Computer Literacy, and Mathematics, while developing strong thinking, reasoning, and communication skills through in-depth lectures, class discussions, study materials, and written assignments.

In the shop, students obtain valuable hands-on experience through the inspection, testing, and repairing of diesel engines, heavy duty brakes, drive trains, suspension and steering systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, hydraulic systems, ignition systems, and heavy duty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems found on the same diesel trucks that are used in the Truck Driver Training program at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College. Students will also gain hands-on experience performing preventive maintenance inspections.

Through the disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling of various diesel engines and their integrated auxiliary systems, using computerized diagnostic machinery, precision measuring tools, hand tools, power tools, and machine tools, as well as service manuals and wiring diagrams, students will learn hands-on how to perform engine rebuilds and tune-ups..

Students will also be expected to utilize teamwork, shop safety, and effective time management, as they complete each task assigned to by their instructors with speed and proficiency, developing strong analytical and technical skills while strengthening their mechanical aptitude. Work ethics, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Heavy Duty Diesel program at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College. 

What to Expect After School 

Graduates of the Diesel/Heavy Duty Technology program at Davis Applied Technology College will not only be prepared to take and pass the industry tests administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), they will be equipped with the specialized skills, comprehensive knowledge, and acquired 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.

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 One-Year Undergraduate Certificate

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College offers a one-year Heavy Duty Diesel Undergraduate Certificate. Uintah Basin Applied Technology College also offers a 6-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel/Heavy Equipment Maintenance for high school students. The one-year Heavy Duty Diesel Undergraduate Certificate program is Pell Grant eligible.