Diesel Technology
Diesel Technology - AAS-T
If you’d like a high-paying career upon graduating from BTC, then you should consider Diesel. You’ll be prepared to work right away as a diesel technician, repairing and maintaining heavy trucks, buses, and road equipment like bulldozers and graders. Other positions you’d qualify for are diesel engine specialist, truck technician, marine technician, and construction and industrial machinery repair technician. You’ll learn how to use leading-edge diesel technology, and work hands-on in an actual shop. Employers who hire graduates from the Diesel program include diesel automotive and trucking companies, rental companies, marine dealers, highway contractors, and farm and heavy equipment companies.
The average placement rate for Diesel graduates is 82%, and typical starting wages for this field are around $16-17 per hour, with an earning potential of approximately $27-28 per hour.* BTC’s Diesel program is certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) as a Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Training Program. This assures that the curriculum follows the stringent standards identified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation). This program’s entry points are usually fall and winter quarters. General education and program-specific classes are offered days, evenings, and online; check our website for this program’s specific class times.
To learn more about Bellingham Technical College programs you’re interested in, join us for a Virtual Program Info Session. Prior sign up is required. If you do not see an Info Session for the program you’re interested in, email outreach@btc.edu for more information.
Employment Information
78% BTC graduate placement rate
$41,065 starting annual wage$53,532 average annual wage
$67,179 potential annual wage
Estimated Program Costs
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
This program typically admits students once a year, in Fall quarter.
Prior to registering for program classes, students are required to submit the following documentation to the Entry Service & Advising Office (CS 106):
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Copy of the front & back your valid Driver's License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);
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Current complete 3-year driving record from Washington State DOL. This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;
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Signed Industry Expectations form indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards.
Important Program Notes:
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You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;
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Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
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Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order his/her driving records. You may obtain a copy of your current "Abstract of Driving Record" at your local Department of Licensing or by accessing the Washington State Department of Licensing;
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A renewed copy of your valid driver's license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) will again be required at the start of your second year in the program;
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All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
Program Application/Forms: Core Program Entry Packet
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 137
Quarter 1
TRANS 101 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 101 5 CR TRANS 102 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 102 5 CR TRANS 103 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 103 5 CR ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 CR MATH& 107 Math in Society 5 CR Quarter 2
DET 129 Shop Simulation 15 CR CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications 5 CR PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 CR Quarter 3
DET 116 Electrical/Electronics II 6 CR DET 201 Hydraulics 9 CR DET 208 Preventive Maintenance 6 CR Quarter 4
DET 139 Field-Based Experience I 12 CR Quarter 5
DET 104 Hydraulic Brakes 2 CR DET 106 Electrical/Electronics I 6 CR DET 202 Diesel Engines 13 CR Quarter 6
DET 239 Field-Based Experience II 12 CR Quarter 7
DET 126 Electrical/Electronics III 6 CR DET 203 Drive Train 5 CR DET 204 Air Brakes 5 CR DET 205 Suspension/Steering 5 CR Electives
Electives 24 CR DET 139 Field-Based Experience I 12 CR DET 239 Field-Based Experience II 12 CR Note: These Field-Based Experience courses, listed under "Electives", are already reflected in the quarterly breakdown above. DET 240 Current Diesel Industry Topics I 7 CR DET 242 Current Diesel Industry Topics II 8 CR Electives with Instructor Permission: These 24-Elective Credits may include up to 15-credits of approved college level classes determined by your faculty advisor. 15 CR
Program Outcomes
After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:
- Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the diesel industry.
- Evaluate and apply technical information and testing procedures from a variety of sources to troubleshoot diesel equipment.
- Maintain, diagnose, and repair the following systems: engine, electrical, hydraulic, drive train, brakes, and steering/suspension.
- Communicate and document work performed using trade specific language and digital images.
- Act responsibly and ethically as an employee by being punctual, adhering to company policies and interacting positively and appropriately with co-workers, supervisors and customers.
- Apply research techniques to identify emerging heavy equipment technologies.
Employment Outlook
About 78% of BTC Diesel students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in this field is $53,532, with an earning potential of about $67,179 per year.*
Driving citations will restrict or prevent student participation in some lab activities, internships and employment in the diesel repair industry.
Program graduates work as diesel technicians, repairing and maintaining the diesel engines that power transportation equipment, such as heavy trucks and buses. Some diesel technicians also work on bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, and combines. A small number also repair boats or service a variety of diesel-powered electric generators, compressors, and pumps used in oil well drilling and irrigation systems.
Employers include diesel dealerships, diesel repair companies, diesel trucking companies, diesel marine dealers, farm equipment companies, and highway contractors. Potential positions include diesel engine specialist, truck technician, bus technician, construction and industrial machinery repair person, marine technician, ASE certified specialist, engine overhaul mechanic and service manager.
Faculty & Support
Marshall Link
Marshall Link brings a strong background in the transportation industry with specializations in over-the-road trucks, engines and the electrical/electronics systems found in the complex world of multiplexed equipment. Marshall spent almost 11 years with Freightliner Northwest in Mount Vernon, WA where he stayed at the forefront of technological advances with factory specific training. He also holds alternative fuel certifications such as LP, Compressed Natural Gas, and Liquid Natural Gas. Prior to joining Bellingham Technical College, Marshall participated in numerous training classes and gained a behind the scenes view of how industry is currently producing trucks and engines. Marshall also was part of the Daimler Elite Support movement within the Freightliner/Wester Star truck networks that focused on Six Sigma/Lean principles. He is excited to share his industry expertise with the Diesel Technology students as he prepares them for a career in an ever advancing and growing industry.