Diesel Power Technology
As the diesel power industry continues to grow, so does the need for skilled technicians. Diesel engines have been the “workhorse” of our world for over a century. The mission of Casper College’s Diesel Power program is to prepare students of all skill levels for gainful employment in the diesel industry.
What are the features of Casper’s program?
Students are trained in several areas of diesel troubleshooting and repair to include engine rebuilding, fuel systems and tuning, power train and braking, hydraulics and electronics. The program offers an accelerated two-semester (9 month) certificate of completion, and a new cohort starts each fall. Also, students may choose the more traditional two-year (4 semester) associate of applied science degree which includes the requirements of the diesel certificate. As a bonus, Casper College is partnered with INNIO’s Waukesha Gas Engine Training Center. Successful second semester/year students may elect to add this course of study, which emphasizes natural gas engine technology.
Students are in both lecture and lab courses all day Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for either working in a shop setting at school or on-the-job in the diesel industry (cooperative education). Students who choose to spend Fridays on-the-job receive both college credit and a competitive hourly wage which helps to offset their college expenses.
Casper College works very closely with area business and industry to ensure student success. The Wyoming Trucking Association and Casper College work jointly to provide update training for both new and veteran diesel technicians. Several scholarships are awarded to diesel students each year.
Although this is an A.A.S. degree, graduates from this program may apply this degree toward an online applied science degree at the University of Wyoming at Casper.
Points of Pride
- All hand tools are supplied for in-school use
- Engine dynamometer to test-run student built engines
- Chassis dynamometer
- New ISX Cummins Tier IV emissions training module
- Caterpillar 3408 training module (see photo)
- Instructors have both academic training and industry experience
- Spacious modern shop
- Majority of class time is hands-on learning
- Partnerships with businesses in the diesel industry thereby affording students employment (COOP) opportunities
- Wyoming Trucking Association update/training seminars
- Students work on special (real-world) projects
- Two-person teams for lab work
What can I do with this major?
Employment info
Learn more about wage ranges as well as the occupational profile for mobile heavy equipment mechanics and bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
Career opportunities include:
- Semi Trucks
- Mining Equipment
- Agricultural Equipment
- Construction Equipment
- Power Generation
- Marine Propulsion
- Locomotives
- Automotive
Places where students have gone on to work:
- Energy industry (mining, oil and gas)
- Transportation industry (semi trucks and light-duty automotive)
- Construction industry
- Agricultural industry
- Power generation
What are the special admission requirements, if any?
There are no pre-reqs for this program.
What courses would I take?
For requirements and more information about these programs, view their listings in the academic catalog:
Secondary Education CTE Endorsement
Are you a licensed teacher or teaching with a PIC permit? Are you interested in teaching this subject matter in classes at the junior, middle, and/or high school levels? You can complete a set of courses within this program to qualify for a career and technical education teaching endorsement. Learn more about which courses count toward a CTE endorsement...
