Term Effective:
Spring 2011
The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.
Associate Degree Requirements:
The major is one of several requirements students need to fulfill in order to be awarded the Associate Degree, the highest level of academic achievement recognized by Santa Rosa Junior College. Please note that all of the following requirements must be met in order for the degree to be conferred:
For all students admitted for the Fall 2009 term or any term thereafter,
a grade of "C" or better, or "P" if the course is taken on a pass/no pass basis,
is required for each course applied toward the major.
Description:
The Diesel Equipment Technology Major offers both theoretical and hands-on training related to diesel equipment including diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, drive trains, brake systems and suspension systems. All aspects of heavy-duty, agricultural, and transportation equipment and vehicle functions and repairs are covered. The program also prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
certification exam. For students interested in a Certificate of Achievement, a Diesel certificate is available.
A student enrolling in the program should be mechanically inclined, have the desire and ability to work with his or her hands, enjoy working in a shop environment, and have the ability to provide a clean health and DMV report prior to employment.
Technological advances and continued expansion of the Diesel Equipment industry have increased the demand for well trained entry-level technicians both locally and state-wide. Students who complete the Diesel Equipment Technology program should be able to find employment as an advanced level apprentice technician.
Careers related to the maintenance and repair of diesel powered or heavy-duty machinery and vehicles are plentiful in Sonoma County and the surrounding areas. Job titles are, Apprentice Mechanic, Journeyman Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Fleet Mechanic. Job locations are varied throughout the region; construction companies, truck and bus shops, dealership shops, government fleet shops & independent repair shops are many of the over 500 employers in the area. An average of 15 to 20 job announcements for entry level employees (current students) are announced annually in the classroom, and employers frequently visit the campus to advertise their needs.
The employment outlook is very good to excellent as the number of retirements is currently high and construction continues. As consumerism increases, thus will the need for technicians as trucks bring all of our consumed freight to Sonoma County. The specific need locally will easily equal our current enrollment.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this major, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe operation of hand tools, power tools and specialized diesel tools and equipment;
- identify major truck, construction and agricultural equipment components;
- diagnose major component failures and recommend repairs; and
- perform typical major component repairs.
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