Diesel Technology Certificates
Start a career in the in-demand field of diesel technology with a certificate from San Juan College. Learn to maintain and repair equipment that runs on diesel, such as heavy-duty trucks and construction equipment.
Our experienced professors and state-of-the-art equipment help you learn the skills you need to become a diesel mechanic or technician. We offer three certificates to start your career; you can complete each in just two years. Plus, we'll connect you with apprenticeship opportunities so you can work while learning. Start your new career in diesel technology by applying today!
Why Study to Be a Diesel Technician or Mechanic?
If you enjoy working with your hands and have a passion for machinery, earning a degree in diesel technology offers many opportunities for you. You can work locally for:
- Road truck shops
- Dealerships and fleets
- Mixed duty fleets
- Equipment rental companies
- Construction and mining companies
- Agriculture maintenance and repair
If you want to broaden your job opportunities, you can also work for train or sea shipping companies.
The diesel technology industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled technicians, so the demand for trained workers is high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $48,690 in May 2021. With a certificate and additional experience, you can find a good-paying job wherever you live.
Finally, diesel technology is a rapidly advancing field. Diesel technicians and mechanics must keep up with new technologies and techniques, which you can learn and practice in a diesel technology program.
Why Earn a Diesel Technology Certificate at San Juan College?
Three Certificate Options
Get started quickly in this new career field by earning one of our three certificates.
- Diesel - Heavy Line Certificate: Get an introduction to the field of diesel technology. Learn about diesel systems from on-highway medium and heavy vehicles to off-highway heavy equipment.
- Diesel - On-Highway Certificate: Learn the fundamentals of diesel technology. This certificate focuses on the operation and repair of truck systems.
- Diesel - Off-Highway Certificate: Study the basic principles of diesel technology. With this certificate, you'll go deeper into the operation and repair of off-highway equipment systems such as tractors and construction equipment.
Relevant Curriculum and Experienced Faculty
Get an up-to-date education that prepares you for the diesel technology field. To stay on top of industry changes and trends, SJC partners with a diesel advisory committee of local industry leaders. The committee recommends updates to our curriculum so our graduates can have relevant skills and be ready to start a career. We also ensure our courses follow guidelines for the trucking industry as specified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Learn from our knowledgeable industry-trained instructors who have years of field experience. They are also Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified, which means they meet the highest standards.
We also provide state-of-the-art equipment and simulators for you to build your skills. Practice using computer-based diagnostic and service information systems from manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit, as well as several on-highway truck manufacturers.
Apprenticeship Program
Our Diesel Technology program wants you to have the best possible training for a successful career. That's why we offer an apprenticeship program you can apply for at the end of the first year of your certificate program. If accepted, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while completing your second year of the program. We partner with local businesses to help you find a placement. Your apprenticeship may even lead to a job offer after you graduate.
Affordable Diesel Technician and Mechanic Training Program
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our Diesel Technology Certificate program is an excellent investment for your career. You'll get the experience you need at the price you can afford. Discover if you can get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Diesel Certificate Programs
With our two-year diesel technology certificate programs, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to work with diesel-powered equipment. Study how to maintain diesel systems and make repairs through lectures and hands-on learning.
All three certificate programs have the same core courses that teach the basics of diesel technology. They are:
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Preventative maintenance and inspection
- Hydraulics fundamentals and troubleshooting
- HVAC systems
- Diesel engine and fuel systems
- Diesel emission systems
The rest of your courses will depend on your certificate option.
This certificate program covers how to fix both on-highway and off-highway diesel systems. Study how to maintain and repair Class 7 and Class 8 on-highway trucks and off-highway equipment like tractors and cranes. Learn about:
- Fluid power
- On-highway and off-highway brakes
- On-highway and off-highway drivetrains
- Steering and suspension
Get an introduction to the field of diesel technology and work with on-highway diesel technology. Study how to maintain and repair Class 7 and Class 8 trucks. Your courses cover the following:
- On-highway steering and suspension systems
- On-highway brake systems
- On-highway drivetrains
Learn about diesel technology and how to repair off-highway heavy-duty equipment. You'll study how to maintain machines such as excavators, combines, ships, and power-generating equipment. Course topics include:
- Fluid power
- Off-highway steering and suspension
- Off-highway brakes and drivetrains
Explore the World of Diesel Technology
Careers and Outcomes
With SJC's certificate program, you will be ready to become a diesel technician or mechanic. You'll have the skills and training to maintain or repair various diesel vehicles in fleets. You may also find positions in dealerships after gaining additional experience. You can work on on-highway or off-highway diesel vehicles based on the certificate you choose.
Previous graduates from SJC's Diesel Technology program have gone on to work for:
- Bruckner's Truck & Equipment
- Farmington Freightliner
- GFL Environmental Inc.
- Honnen Equipment
- Inland Kenworth
- M & R Trucking
- Stotz Equipment
Next Steps
To enroll in the Diesel Technology Certificate program, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Diesel Technology Certificate options and learn more about the program.
