Bates Technical College

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic  

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic program at Bates Technical College prepares students to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair the diesel vehicles and heavy machinery in use by today’s oil exploration and extraction companies, marine diesel companies, trucking companies, locomotive companies, mining companies, logging companies, and the natural gas industry.

In the classroom, instructors lecture students about the fundamentals of the diesel engine and help students develop effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as critical thinking and reasoning skills, through intense studies, class discussions, and written assignments.

In the on-campus shop, students acquire valuable hands-on training, as they learn how to properly inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, electronic engine systems, fuel systems, air brake systems, mobile air conditioning systems, power trains, manual transmissions, clutches, drivelines, and differentials. 

Students learn engine reassembly, overhaul, and tune-up, hands-on, as they inspect, diagnose, and repair the complicated component systems integrated into today’s diesel engines, using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, technical manuals, gauges, hand tools, and power tools. Students are also taught basic welding techniques and advanced service techniques.

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic program at Bates Technical College has partnered with local industry employers, giving students the opportunity to gain practical job experience before they even graduate.

From Graduation to Occupation 

Graduates of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic program at Bates Technical College will be equipped with the skills, education, and specialized training needed to gain employment as a qualified diesel mechanic in the diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry. Graduates can expect to secure employment as diesel mechanics working in diesel and heavy duty apprenticeships or entry-level positions, servicing and repairing on-highway and off-highway trucks, diesel locomotives, construction equipment, hydraulics, material handling equipment, farming equipment, marine vessels, logging equipment, mining equipment, and natural gas and oil extraction equipment.. 

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 Washington was $53,570 yearly and $25.75 hourly, 19% higher than the national average.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Competency Certificate, and Training Certificate

Bates Technical College offers a two-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Associate of Applied Science degree. Bates Technical College also offers a two-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Competency Certificate with an emphasis in Basic Servicing.

Bates Technical College also offers three separate Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training Certificates with three different specializations. The first certificate is a one-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training Certificate with a specialization in Basic Servicing. The second certificate is a 4-month Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training Certificate with a specialization in Engines. The third certificate is a 4-month Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training Certificate with a specialization in Power Trains.

The two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program, the two-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Competency Certificate program, and the one-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training Certificate program are all Pell Grant eligible.