A few of our key program features

The Demand

With the increase of technology, so goes the increased need for technicians. South Plains College's Diesel Service Technology program is proud to be a part of this current technology. There are constant requests from potential employers for graduates of our program, with employers representing many different service fields and geographic areas. There is a predicted shortage of 100,000 trained technicians for the approaching decade in the southwest United States alone. Beginning with 2007 model year highway vehicles, the emissions standards are causing these newer engines to have an exhaust that is cleaner than the intake air! With this level of technology, there will be an increase in demand for skilled, trained entry technicians. The oil industry is busting wide open. This also creates a rise in demand.

Income

We all like plenty of money. Our graduates typically start between $10.00 and $14.00 per hour with some slightly higher, depending on field of service, location, grades and attendance. We have a number of extraordinary success stories from our graduates with some leading to supervisory positions. Depending on company, location and skill, earnings potential can reach between $60,000 and $100,000 per YEAR! Of course, not every graduate will attain this, but the potential is there. It's up to you !

Placement

The Diesel Service Technology program is proud to have a 100% placement rate of our graduates for 10 years straight. We just need more students to meet the growing demand. At present the demand is out-stripping our supply of graduates! A large number of our students who are about to graduate will typically have 2-3 job offers to consider. Many are employed (conditional on completion) before graduation.

Instruction areas

We have a very comprehensive training program, running two academic years in length. During that time, instruction and hands on experience will be offered in the following areas:

Engine Repair You will completely disassemble, examine, critique parts, reassemble, test and troubleshoot a typical heavy diesel engine. In the classroom you will learn the components, their functions and relations to other components, and general engine theory.

Fuel Systems Functions, calibration, rebuilding, troubleshooting and theory of mechanical and electronically controlled fuel systems.

Electrical & Electronics You can't have hi-tech equipment without it. The how and why from batteries, starting, charging, lighting and controls to computerized engine control systems.

Hydraulics Pumps, motors, control valves, diagnostics, design and operation of the modern hydraulic system.

Transmissions,Drive trains Operation, rebuild, and servicing of a variety of different types and styles of transmissions used in the diesel industry.

Air conditioning Theory, operation, diagnostics and repair of a typical vehicular air conditioning system. We also cover alternative refrigerants used in the diesel industry, as well as system conversion to R134a.

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting To repair anything, you must first be able to identify the problem. This is where your interpretation and application of theory show you where that problem is. This topic is stressed throughout the entire program.

Preventive Maintenance One of the biggest areas of concentrated effort in fleets and owner/operators is keeping it from breaking. The planning, implementation and reasons of PM is what this is all about.

In addition to the subjects described above, we also have on an unscheduled basis, numerous visits from industry representatives and prospective employers who present informal seminars on related topics and new technology.

The Equipment

We have a large variety of equipment on hand to provide you with up to date training that will equip you to enter this career. Anything from a basic diesel engine to computer controlled varieties. Additionally, there are abundant training modules for your educational use in all of our diesel technology courses. Our equipment is updated and kept current through direction of an advisory committee made up of industry representatives so that we may provide what is needed for the service fields.

Engine Repair	You will completely disassemble, examine, critique parts, reassemble, test and troubleshoot a typical heavy diesel engine. In the classroom you will learn the components, their functions and relations to other components, and general engine theory.
Fuel Systems	Functions, calibration, rebuilding, troubleshooting and theory of mechanical and electronically controlled fuel systems.
Electrical & Electronics	You can't have hi-tech equipment without it. The how and why from batteries, starting, charging, lighting and controls to computerized engine control systems.
Hydraulics	Pumps, motors, control valves, diagnostics, design and operation of the modern hydraulic system.
Transmissions,Drive trains	Operation, rebuild, and servicing of a variety of different types and styles of transmissions used in the diesel industry.
Air conditioning	Theory, operation, diagnostics and repair of a typical vehicular air conditioning system. We also cover alternative refrigerants used in the diesel industry, as well as system conversion to R134a.
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting	To repair anything, you must first be able to identify the problem. This is where your interpretation and application of theory show you where that problem is. This topic is stressed throughout the entire program.
Preventive Maintenance	One of the biggest areas of concentrated effort in fleets and owner/operators is keeping it from breaking. The planning, implementation and reasons of PM is what this is all about.