Academy of Careers & Technology
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Diesel Equipment Technology
The Diesel Equipment Technology program at the Academy of Careers & Technology provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills in the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty trucks and diesel powered heavy equipment, including buses, tractor trailers, combines, tractors, bulldozers, forklifts, locomotives, marine vessels, power generators, and more.
In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the fundamentals of diesel equipment technology, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine system. Through class discussions, detailed textbooks, and written assignments, students develop strong comprehension in both mathematics and technical writing, and strengthen their critical thinking and reasoning skills. Areas of study include U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, gear ratios, effective shop management, customer service skills, and more.
In the laboratory, students gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors, as they learn how to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engines, electronic engine controls, electrical systems, truck chassis, and more using pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment. Students will also acquire hands-on experience in how to properly perform preventative maintenance and inspections.
Using computerized diagnostic machines, service manuals, precision measuring instruments, wiring diagrams, hand tools, and power tools, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated auxiliary components, obtaining valuable hands-on experience in diesel engine rebuild, tune-up, and troubleshooting.
Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude and develop important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills, as they learn how to work both independently and as a team. Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and manage their time effectively as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed.
Work ethics, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed. throughout the Diesel Equipment Technology program at the Academy of Careers & Technology.
The Diesel Equipment Technology Classes
The Diesel Equipment Technology program consists of the following career-specific classes:
- Fundamentals of Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electronic Engine Controls
- Diesel Engine Components
- Diesel Support Systems
- Diesel Preventative Maintenance and Inspection
- Diesel Truck Chassis Concepts
- Diesel Engine Tune Up and Troubleshooting
- Diesel Equipment Electrical Systems
To be eligible to graduate, students are required to successfully complete each class and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career Outlook
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Equipment Technology program at the Academy of Careers & Technology will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to gain entry-level employment in the diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry. Graduates can expect to secure an entry-level position as a mechanic, diesel mechanic, bus mechanic, general repair mechanic, diesel technician, truck mechanic, service technician, or preventive maintenance technician.
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 West Virginia was $36,640 yearly and $17.61 hourly, 19% lower than the national average.
The Undergraduate Certificate
The Academy of Careers & Technology offers a 72-week Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology. This program is Pell Grant eligible.