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Diesel, Industrial and Agricultural Mechanics

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Diesel engines power the Nation's heavy vehicles and equipment, because it delivers more power per unit of fuel, and is more durable, than gasoline. Diesel technicians repair and maintain these engines that power transportation equipment, such as heavy trucks, farm equipment buses and locomotives.

There are many industries that need mechanics to do preventive maintenance to ensure that equipment can be operated safely and to eliminate unnecessary wear and damage to parts that could result in costly breakdowns.

Diesel mechanics use a variety of tools in their work, including power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly; machine tools, like lathes and grinding machines, to rebuild brakes; welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems; and jacks and hoists to lift and move large parts.

This Center of Excellence program is for juniors and seniors with a strong aptitude for mechanic and space relations interested in diesel mechanics.

Credit hours
You can earn up to nine hours of college credit at Linn State Technical College

What you’ll learn.
You will learn about and practice maintenance, service, repair, and overhaul of equipment such as engines, power trains, controls, and other components on buses, heavy trucks, earth-moving equipment, agricultural equipment, lift trucks and stationary power plants.

Schedule
Two years, two semesters per year

You’ll take classes at
Herndon Career Center
11501 E. 350 Highway
Raytown, MO 64138

Prerequisites
Minimum 2.0 GPA
90% attendance
Reading , writing and math at 10th grade level (Industrial Technology, CADD/Drafting courses and a strong mechanical aptitude are recommended)

Demand and Pay
Below are wages and expected employment growth according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration’s O*NET career exploration and job analysis tool.

Electronic Drafters (associate’s or higher)
Median wages: $25.04 hourly, $52,080 annual
Number of people already in the industry: 34,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 7,500

Diesel Engine Specialists (associate’s or higher)
Median wages: $19.35 hourly, $40,250 annual
Number of people already in the industry: 263,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 75,300

Skills, character and physical traits of successful people in this career:

Strong mechanical aptitude
Using mechanics hand and power tools
Using electrical repair hand and power tools
Repairing mechanical objects
Following written repair work orders
Observing and diagnosing mechanical problems
Operating computerized diagnostic equipment in mechanics
Problem-solving ability

To apply
Contact your high school counseling office to complete an application, student contract and student essay of interest. Your school will determine if you meet the program criteria. If you do not, but your counselor or principal feel you can be successful in the program, they can recommend you.