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Businesses work with new diesel mechanics program
By OBSERVER STAFF REPORTS
In an effort to provide training to produce a qualified workforce for businesses within its service area, Lone Star College-North Harris will start a diesel mechanics training program Jan. 12, 2009.
“Diesel-powered engines are more efficient and durable than their gasoline-burning counterparts,” said Allen Rice, director of the new program. “These powerful engines are standard in our nation’s trucks, heavy equipment, locomotives and buses and are becoming more prevalent in light vehicles, including passenger vehicles, pickups and other work trucks.”
The engines’ popularity has spurred a growing industry that needs to be staffed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow by 11 percent from now until 2016.
“Our LSCS Workforce office found diesel mechanics were in very high demand after canvassing companies in the north Houston area,” Rice explained, “and apparently the challenge is the current skilled workforce of diesel technicians average age 45, and, as the diesel industry has evolved, more electronics and computer chips have been added to make diesel engines more efficient. However, many of the existing mechanics have not had this training.”
Working with an advisory committee of 20 representatives from businesses who hire diesel mechanics, Rice developed the program to train diesel mechanics. The program includes two certificates that can be earned in about 12 months.
The diesel technician’s certificate consists of five courses: Diesel Engine I, Diesel Engine II, basic electrical, diesel engine electronics and preventive maintenance. Tuition for the certificate program is $2,500.
The heavy truck certificate includes three courses: power trains, suspension and steering, and brakes. These classes cost $1,600.
Financial aid is available for both certificates and the community college tuition represents about 15 percent of that charged by private schools offering similar programs.
The three-hour classes will meet three nights per week.
Steve Malek, manager at Brookside Equipment and a member of the diesel mechanics advisory board, said the demand for mechanics is increasing every year.
“In the industry as a whole, we have older technicians who are retiring and we’re looking for younger technicians to replace them,” Malek said. “We’re primarily looking for individuals with a basic knowledge of equipment as well as their mechanical aptitude. Once we get them into our business, we’ll give them specialized training in various areas.”
If students want to go beyond the diesel mechanics certification, they can earn an associate degree in industrial technology.
“We are tremendously grateful to each member of our diesel mechanics advisory committee,” Rice said.
more info
Call 281-765-7750 or 281-618-5610.
“Diesel-powered engines are more efficient and durable than their gasoline-burning counterparts,” said Allen Rice, director of the new program. “These powerful engines are standard in our nation’s trucks, heavy equipment, locomotives and buses and are becoming more prevalent in light vehicles, including passenger vehicles, pickups and other work trucks.”
The engines’ popularity has spurred a growing industry that needs to be staffed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow by 11 percent from now until 2016.
“Our LSCS Workforce office found diesel mechanics were in very high demand after canvassing companies in the north Houston area,” Rice explained, “and apparently the challenge is the current skilled workforce of diesel technicians average age 45, and, as the diesel industry has evolved, more electronics and computer chips have been added to make diesel engines more efficient. However, many of the existing mechanics have not had this training.”
Working with an advisory committee of 20 representatives from businesses who hire diesel mechanics, Rice developed the program to train diesel mechanics. The program includes two certificates that can be earned in about 12 months.
The diesel technician’s certificate consists of five courses: Diesel Engine I, Diesel Engine II, basic electrical, diesel engine electronics and preventive maintenance. Tuition for the certificate program is $2,500.
The heavy truck certificate includes three courses: power trains, suspension and steering, and brakes. These classes cost $1,600.
Financial aid is available for both certificates and the community college tuition represents about 15 percent of that charged by private schools offering similar programs.
The three-hour classes will meet three nights per week.
Steve Malek, manager at Brookside Equipment and a member of the diesel mechanics advisory board, said the demand for mechanics is increasing every year.
“In the industry as a whole, we have older technicians who are retiring and we’re looking for younger technicians to replace them,” Malek said. “We’re primarily looking for individuals with a basic knowledge of equipment as well as their mechanical aptitude. Once we get them into our business, we’ll give them specialized training in various areas.”
If students want to go beyond the diesel mechanics certification, they can earn an associate degree in industrial technology.
“We are tremendously grateful to each member of our diesel mechanics advisory committee,” Rice said.
more info
Call 281-765-7750 or 281-618-5610.
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