On the road to a great career!
If you're interested in a career repairing and servicing medium and heavy duty trucks, construction equipment, or agriculture equipment, then this program is for you. Modern trucks, construction and agriculture machines are very advanced and contain hundreds of electronic sensors and countless computers, and it takes technicians who embrace the challenge to use logic and expertise to maintain and repair them. The diesel technician career pathway is highly regarded in our society because it takes people with very advanced skills to work on them.
What are my career choices?
Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026. Graduates of the Diesel Technology program find employment in new truck dealerships, fleets, municipalities, independent repair facilities, specialty shops, agricultural dealerships, and construction equipment dealerships.
There are countless opportunities for our students to work while getting their education. Most employers are happy to let students work part-time while attending school because this allows our students to get started in the business and gain valuable experience while getting their education. These students typically work more hours during the summer and winter breaks and then have a guaranteed “full-time” job upon graduation. To see the recent job posts available, click on the Facebook link below that will take you to the Facebook page for our program.
What classes do I have to take?
You will take academic and theory courses and get your hands dirty in ECTC's state-of-the-art diesel shop, which has late model trucks, tractors, and construction machines.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Degrees and Transfers
- Diesel Technology - Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
ECTC has numerous partnerships with 4-year universities. If you are interested in a transfer pathway in this field, check out our partnering university pathways. Find more information on transferring from ECTC.
Diploma Options
Certificate Options
- Agriculture Equipment Mechanic Helper - Certificate
- Construction Equipment Mechanic Helper - Certificate
- Diesel Engine Mechanic - Certificate
- Diesel Mechanics Assistant - Certificate
- Diesel Steering and Suspension Mechanic - Certificate
- Electrical/Electronics Systems Mechanic - Certificate
- Fluid Power Mechanic - Certificate
- Heavy Duty Brake Mechanic - Certificate
- Heavy Duty Drive Train Mechanic - Certificate
- Medium and Heavy Truck Mechanic Helper - Certificate
- Mobile Air Conditioning Mechanic - Certificate
- Preventive Maintenance Mechanic - Certificate
- Tractor Trailer, CDLA I - Certificate
- Undercarriage Mechanic - Certificate
Accreditation
The Diesel Technology program at ECTC is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, and students have the opportunity to take tests leading to certification by ASE. The Agriculture Equipment Repair and Construction Equipment Repair programs are certified by the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF) and students have the opportunity to take tests leading to certification by AEDF.
Field Licensure Requirements
Some employers in the industry require ASE certification. ASE certification is not required to complete the program at the college, but students are encouraged to become ASE certified to improve their job prospects.
Where do I start?
Apply for admission to ECTC to receive information from the Admissions Office about submitting your placement test scores (ACT or other exams) and to schedule a meeting with an advisor to register for your classes.
Resources
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
