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 will 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.

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

68% BTC graduate placement rate ¹

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

Additional Requirements:

Prior to enrolling in program classes, students are required to submit the following documentation to the Admissions & Advising Office:

1. Copy of your valid Driver's License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);

2. 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.

Important Program Notes:

1. You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;

2. Many employers and internship providers in this field will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;

3. Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order their 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 ;

4. A renewed copy of your valid driver's license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) may again be required at the start of your second year in the program;

5. All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.

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.

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the diesel industry.
• Perform advanced maintenance and repairs on various pieces of diesel equipment.
• Provide critical thinking skills while utilizing technical information and testing procedures to diagnose customer concerns.
• Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems.
• Communicate work performed using trade specific language while documenting critical aspects clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills.
• Research and identify emerging heavy equipment technologies.
• Model teamwork that is reflective of a diverse work environment.
• Evaluate and apply technical information and testing procedures.
  

The need for diesel technicians is high. People who enter this field will find favorable opportunities, especially as the need to replace workers who retire increases over the next decade.

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. Other options include working on bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, combines boat repair or service on 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.