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:
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Follow a checklist of inspection procedures
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Diagnose malfunctions
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Read and interpret diagnostic test results
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Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles
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Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and parts
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Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and attach system components
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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.
