Diesel Technology

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local

Program Code: 38059.01AS

The Associate of Science Degree in Diesel Technology has been developed to provide the light and medium duty diesel industry with well-prepared, entry-level technicians. Our rural location and its heavy agricultural influence necessitate the need for technicians who are trained in the area of diesel powered trucks and equipment. This program will prepare the student to diagnose the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems found on over the road diesel powered vehicles and equipment.

Upon successful completion of the Diesel Technology Program, students will enter the industry with their Section 609 Compliance Certification, making it possible to service refrigeration units. Along with the 609 Certification, students will also receive their Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) brake inspection certification.

A career as a Diesel Technician offers a higher starting and hourly mean wage than that of a light car and truck technicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016). With that, the areas that offer employment opportunities range from heavy equipment dealers/shops, fleet maintenance facilities, public and private, along with new car/truck dealers. This diversity offers a lot of flexibility regarding location. Employment can be found in urban areas as well as rural farming communities.

Help with job placement is available for successful students. For Career information please refer to our website: https://www.butte.edu/academic-programs/coi-itag/dept-automotive/index.htmlor contact the Automotive Department Chair.

Admission to the Program: Due to high interest, this program may have limited enrollment through a waitlist. If you are interested in this program and would like to apply, please refer to our department website: https://www.butte.edu/academic-programs/coi-itag/dept-automotive/index.html

Prerequisite: Students need to have completed AUT 101 (or equivalent) and AUT 3 (or equivalent) before acceptance to this program.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the operation of diesel engine components and systems.
2. Apply the state and federal regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. Apply general principles of preventive maintenance to diesel repair.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of industry standard tools and precision measuring instruments.
5. Apply safe work habits and practices.
6. Troubleshoot and perform repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and electronic systems.
7. Use computers to diagnose equipment and research information
8. Perform preventative maintenance such as engine tune-ups, front-end alignments, and brake adjustments.
9. Operate shop machinery and equipment including hoists, hydraulic jacks, steam cleaners, floor jacks, disassembly stands, grinders, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and bead blasters.
10. Select and use precision tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, tap and dies, and bore gauges.
11. Effectively communicate vehicle diagnoses, repair procedures, and maintenance recommendations, accurately documenting all work performed in accordance with industry standards.