Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Are you interested in having a secure future and being a part of a growing and profitable trade? The Transportation Industry is one of the most profitable career paths available. Over 80% of everything you see around you was delivered by Diesel Powered Vehicles. Every Truck, Trailer, Tractor, Bulldozer or Large Marine Vessel was purchased for one reason and that reason was to make a profit. Someone must keep these vehicles operating in a safe, dependable, and profitable manner. Could that person be you? GTCC has offered Diesel Programs for many years and has sent students to businesses in North Carolina and beyond. Our modern state-of-the-art facilities and educational aids will ensure you will be educated to the highest levels. You will be educated by some of the best instructors in the business and can expect superior learning challenges from them.

Beginning in the fall of 2018, diesel and heavy equipment courses will be held in the new GTCC Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM).

Credentialing Options

Career Opportunities

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Diesel Technicians are Always in Demand: The Diesel Industry is always in need of certified, highly educated technicians to keep their vehicles in top condition. Completing the Diesel Program at GTCC will put you into a higher level of expertise that is sought out by all companies looking for their next superior technicians.

Degrees associated with this program title 

Certificate – After completion of the Certificate Program, you should be able to: Repair medium to heavy-duty diesel electrical systems, brake systems, suspension and steering systems, and perform preventative maintenance inspections

Diploma – After completion of the Diploma Program, you should be able to:  Repair and or replace components of  medium to heavy-duty diesel engines, drive train, suspension and steering, braking systems, vehicle electrical and electronic systems and components, repair medium to heavy-duty vehicle climate control systems to include heating and air conditioning systems and their controls, perform preventative maintenance inspections, demonstrate compliance with industry personnel, and environmental safety practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC.  During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need. Feel free to contact anyone in the Diesel Program to set up an appointment!

Steven Matthews, Department Chair, Transportation

Jeff Faircloth,  Program Coordinator, Automotive Systems Technologies

William Yokley, Instructor, Diesel Program

Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.

Maybe. Did you place into DRE098 (Developmental English)?  Do you have a high school diploma?

  • Required text books, calculator, general school supplies / paper, pencil, binder, etc.
  • Steel toe shoes or boots, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing
  • Tools, such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. Download a list of tools.
Some of these items are available through the campus bookstore.

If you complete the Diesel Certificate program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of $30,000 to $39,000 depending on your motivation and position obtained.

If you complete diploma program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of $30,000 to $55,000 depending on your motivation and position obtained.

A technician with three to five years of experience should expect to earn a salary up to $40,000-$80,000. Top technicians in our area can earn up to and possibly over $100,000 depending on skillset and motivation. Managers in our areas have salary ranges of $60,000-$150,000 depending on the business.

The Diesel program is, currently, offered during the day, from 8 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. With this schedule, you can attend classes and have a job.

Future plans are in effect to offer evening classes which will operate from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This will depend upon future interest in the evening program.

You can obtain a job before you are finished with the diploma or degree programs. Job placement depends on work ethic, attendance, and class performance. Normally, top performers are employed before they graduate.

There are certificates offered for classes that are completed throughout the curriculum. Two years of school satisfies one of the two years of experience requirements for the ASE test. Since GTCC is NATEF Certified, we work to ensure the highest standards are achieved towards the completion of the ASE.  Automotive Service Excellence is one of the most sought after certifications in the Diesel Repair Field. You can learn more at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website.  

Approximate average is $1,500.00 per semester for tuition and books.

  • Tools = $800 minimum (Student discounts offered by several tool vendors)
  • Books = $150 to $1,000 per semester (depending on courses/program taken)
  • Tuition = $1,000 to $1,250 per semester (certificate requires one semester; diploma requires three semesters)