Fox Valley Technical College
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Diesel Equipment Mechanic
The Diesel Equipment Mechanic program at Fox Valley Technical College is designed to build each student’s technical expertise in the inspection, repair, and maintenance of diesel-powered trucks and heavy machinery, as they learn how to properly and safely use the complex equipment needed to diagnose and correct problems. This program will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to service any type of diesel-powered equipment.
Students receive in-depth lectures in the classroom on topics such as diesel theory and the basics of the diesel engine system, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the modern diesel engine. Students also develop career-relevant computer skills, while they advance their mathematical computation, English comprehension, and diesel trade terminology through written assignments and academic research. Textbooks and class discussions cover topics such as gear ratios, the U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, how to effectively manage a repair shop, communicating with the customer, and more.
In the laboratory, students observe live demonstrations and gain practical hands-on experience, as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair all parts of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, heavy duty brake systems, drive trains, diesel steering systems, diesel suspension systems, heavy duty diesel fuel systems, electronic fuel management systems, heavy duty electrical systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and diesel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques.
Using shop manuals, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, pneumatic wrenches, electronic diagnostic machines, precision measuring instruments, electronic multi-meters, and circuit diagrams, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, acquiring valuable hands-on training in the science of diesel engine rebuilding.
Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude and develop important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills throughout the one-year program. Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and effective time management as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner. Work ethics, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Equipment Mechanic program at the Fox Valley Technical College.
The Diesel Equipment Mechanic Curriculum
The Diesel Equipment Mechanic program contains the following industry-relevant courses:
- Intro to Diesel Mechanics
- Diesel Heavy Duty Brake Systems
- Diesel Steering and Suspension
- Diesel Preventive Maintenance
- Drive Train
- Service Management
- Tune-up & Diagnostic Testing
- Diesel Heavy Duty Fuel Systems
- Diesel Engine Rebuilding
- Diesel Electronic Fuel Management Systems
- Diesel Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems
- Diesel Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical I
- Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical II
Students are also required to take Occupational Supportive classes in Human Relations, Introduction to Transportation Welding, Welding for Technicians, CDL Truck Driving for Diesel Program, and Applied Communications in order to meet the 50 credit requirements of the Technical Diploma program. In order to graduate, students are required to complete each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career 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 Wisconsin was $42,710 yearly and $20.54 hourly, just 5% lower than the national average.
Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Mechanic program at Fox Valley Technical College will possess the academic education and hands-on training needed to secure entry-level employment in the diesel technology career field. Job opportunities include working as a fleet mechanic, diesel mechanic, diesel technician, general repair mechanic, forklift mechanic, or heavy duty diesel service repair technician for commercial trucking companies, construction companies, farms, ranches, agricultural equipment dealerships, logging companies, mining companies, oil and natural gas extraction companies, railroads, oceanic freight companies, and independent repair shops.
The Diesel Equipment Mechanic Technical Diploma
Fox Valley Technical College offers a one-year Diesel Equipment Mechanic Technical Diploma. This program is Pell Grant eligible.