The program provides instruction in basic shop safety and equipment, diesel engines and fuel systems, electrical/electronic systems, hydraulics, and power train systems.
Study disciplines related to infrastructure design and maintenance, landscape sustainability, and heavy machine operations.
About Heavy Diesel Technician
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Career Options
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Advisory Board
Interested in working with heavy equipment? Would you like to work with diesel-powered vehicles? The Gwinnett Tech Heavy Diesel program offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of heavy diesel equipment and repair.
A Heavy Diesel Service Technician works on diesel powered vehicles such as buses, large trucks, boats, bulldozers, dump trucks, cranes and even light-duty trucks and cars. Diesel mechanics perform a wide range of duties, from routine preventive maintenance to complete overhauls. Skills training starts with an inspection of the vehicle and progresses to use of diagnostic computer technology on today’s advanced vehicles. These tools help identify issues and determine any problems with the vehicle and corresponding corrective action. Diesel engines, being different from gasoline-powered engines have different needs and requirements when being serviced. It is essential that diesel mechanics understand the vehicle’s electrical system, powertrain and all of its working components.
Diesel engine maintenance and repair is becoming more complex as engines and other components use more electronic systems to control their operation. For example, fuel injection and engine timing systems rely on microprocessors to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize harmful emissions. In most shops, workers often use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions.
Diesel technicians also use a variety of power and machine tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment.
Interested in learning more about our automotive programs? Attend one of our Monthly Information Sessions and speak to one of our instructors.
Tell me more about this program.
The Heavy Diesel Service Technician program provides training in both the theory and diagnosis of basic systems found on diesel engines and heavy equipment. This program provides instruction in basic shop safety and equipment, diesel engines and fuel systems, electrical/electronic systems, hydraulics, and power train systems. The program is designed to last one year and will offer students an opportunity to apply their skills in an internship environment at a local diesel equipment repair facility.
At the time of internship placement, second semester, dealerships/shops will conduct a criminal background check on students applying for placement. A satisfactory criminal background report is conditional for internship placement.
Issues affecting a background check may hinder a student’s participation in an internship program and may prevent a student from completing the program and/or securing a job upon graduation.
Students must be at least 18 years old to start the program.
**Due to the demand and popularity of automotive programs (Automotive Technology, Ford ASSET, Heavy Diesel, Mercedes-Benz, & Mopar CAP) at Gwinnett Technical College, new students must contact AutomotiveDivision@GwinnettTech.edu immediately after applying to the college to complete a program advisement form. Acceptance into Gwinnett Technical College does not guarantee immediate placement within these programs.
Can I work while I learn?
Class schedules are designed to encourage student employment in the automotive industry while taking classes.
How much will it cost?
Gwinnett Tech offers affordability at $107 per credit hour + fees. Great opportunities for scholarships and financial aid with HOPE Grant, HOPE scholarship, HOPE Career Grants and more!
What career options will I have?
- Bus and RV Service Technician
- Fleet Maintenance
- Industrial and Construction Heavy Equipment Service Technician
- On-Road Tractor Trailer Service Facilities
- Rail Transportation Services
Take the first step towards a career in Heavy Diesel Technology and apply for next semester! Important dates and deadlines are listed to get you started, and if you’re looking for ways to pay for your education, explore our scholarships for this program. You can also learn about our faculty and clubs and organizations to join!
Our Heavy Diesel advisory board will provide you with relevant industry-specific curriculum for today’s high-demand careers.
| Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Richard Aldredge | Hunter Engineering Co. |
| Mike Carrigan | Asbury Automotive Group |
| Joseph Davidson | Dekalb County Fleet |
| Anthony Davis | Ford |
| Katlin Dearmon | CarMax |
| Jonathan Delacruz | Snap-On Industrial |
| Alan Freeman | Jim Ellis Automotive |
| Joe Gaunt | Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett |
| Ron Gay | Jim Ellis |
| Michele Hanson | The Retail Performance Company |
| Larry Hawkins | Metro Atlanta Auto Dealer Assn. |
| Jim Jackson | Potamkin Hundi |
| David Martinez | Penske Automotive Group |
| Kevin Mccoy | Mavis Discount Tire |
| Doug McLaughlin | BMW Group |
| Jeff Morris | Atlanta Forklift |
| Anthony Moten | Nissan Nort America |
| Kristen Owen | Hennessy Automotive Companies |
| Thomas Slater | TBC Corporation |
| Miles Standish | PepBoys |
| Steven Thomas | BMW Group |
| Nikola Vukmanovic | TBC Corporation |
| David Walker | Hendrick Automotive Group |
| Matt Washburn | Nissan Motor Corporation |
| Matthew Werley | BMW Group |
| Terrance Wilson | Dekalb County Fleet |
| Jeremy Wilson | TBC Corporation |
| Greta Wires | Jim Shorkey Auto Group |
| Chaffic Bassar | Gwinnett Technical College |
| Robert Bauman | Gwinnett Technical College |
| Pamela Spann | Gwinnett Technical College |
| Brian Stewart | Gwinnett Technical College |