Hinds Community College Blog

Students enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Hinds Community College on the Raymond campus may choose to combine their classroom experience with actual on-the-job training by enrolling in DET 2923, Supervised Work Experience during their last semester.  So what are the benefits of this type of class? Experience, Career Development, Reinforced Learning, College Credit and Money! Now money is not the primary purpose of any type of supervised on-the-job experience, but it certainly does help.

John Temple, a Diesel Equipment Technology student, is currently employed with Magnolia Marine in Vicksburg, Mississippi while completing his degree requirements. John works on barges servicing and maintaining diesel engines. Temple was able to land the job with a two-year degree from our community college. 

For half the cost of a four year education, John has the potential to make up to $70,000 per year (equal or in many instances more than those possessing a bachelors or master’s degree in other fields). According to USA TODAY, an estimated 2.5 million new, middle-skill jobs like John’s are expected to be added to the workforce by 2017. These middle-skill jobs will make up 40% of all job growth. 

Community colleges offer career-tech programs, which provide training for many of these positions which require far less than a bachelor’s degree. Hinds offers over 70 career or technical programs which train for these high-wage, high-skill and high-demand jobs.  Students may choose to earn a career certificate in just 30 hours, technical certificate in 45 or an Associate of Applied Science with 60 hours.

This past week, John traveled to Greenville, Ms. to work on barges undergoing Coast Guard inspections. Among his duties were to make sure the emergency shut off to the engine was working properly and to remove air in the fuel line of a diesel pump engine. Both barges passed the Coast Guard inspections with flying colors for river trips. Later that week, Temple overhauled an engine in their shop. 

Did you know that Magnolia Marine operates the largest inland waterways asphalt transportation fleet in the United States? Their fleet consists of 20 towboats and more than 75 barges which move product throughout the Mississippi River system as well as the intracoastal waterways of the Gulf of Mexico. 

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2014/10/14/16261275/

Diesel Equipment Technology - Career training, credentials and a paycheck in your pocket!

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s been said that people spend more time planning their vacations than their careers. Since a big part of your life is what you do for a living, career planning is something everyone should do. Vacations are “special” but shouldn’t your career be special too? Let's start planning your career! Are you customer service oriented? Do you possess mechanical and trouble shooting skills? Do you like knowing how things operate? All of these are characteristics of a diesel equipment technician. Let's take a look at the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Hinds Community College's Raymond Campus.

The Diesel Equipment Technology program provides students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment including agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. The program includes instruction in inspection, repair, and maintenance of engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, and other components.  The curriculum is based upon the ASE Certification for Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Training Programs, which serves as a national standard for certification of technicians.

What Diesel Mechanics/Technicians Do?

Diesel service technicians inspect and repair equipment such as trucks, dozers, cranes and commercial boats as well as medium duty vehicles powered by diesel engines. They may work on everything from a vehicle’s electrical system to the power train.

As engines and other components use more electronic systems which rely on microprocessors technicians often use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. In addition, diesel mechanics use a variety of power and machine tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment. Hand tools, including pliers, socket and ratchets, and screwdrivers, are commonly used.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Follow a checklist of inspection procedures

• Diagnose malfunctions

• Read and interpret diagnostic test results

• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles

• Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and parts

• Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and attach system components

• Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment

• Test-drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly

What About Job Opportunities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 9% through 2022. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.

Students will find the Diesel Equipment Technology program has an excellent reputation with local industries looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program are typically employed at a variety of repair facilities that service the trucking and heavy equipment industry with an entry-level salary range of $12 to $16 hourly. 

This Diesel Equipment Technology program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College. For more information, Brent Johnson at (ABJohnson@hindscc.edu) or 601.857.3478 and Christopher Woodard at (Christopher.Woodard@hindscc.edu ) or 601.857.3424.