Diesel Equipment Mechanic | Gateway Technical College

Develop a diverse, high-demand skill set by working hands-on in our Advanced Propulsion lab with DC electricity, braking systems, HVAC systems and the fundamentals of garage operations.
Work with cutting-edge equipment through our partnership with Snap-on. You’ll explore Snap-on’s most up-to-date equipment, ensuring you learn to use the latest tools and diagnostic devices.
Earn certifications to help advance your career, including certifications from Snap-on, S/P2 and NC3. You can also earn Gateway’s Diesel Mechanic’s Assistant and Industrial/Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic certificates.
Begin a rewarding career as a diesel mechanic in as little as one year and earn great wages as you maintain and repair diesel engine vehicles.
Continue your education by applying your technical diploma credits toward Gateway’s associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology and gain more hands-on learning to increase your earning potential.

Program Credits

33

LOCATION

Horizon Center

Financial Aid Eligible

Yes

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST

Tuition & Fees: $6,630
Books and Supplies: $2,250

Start Dates

Fall

Salary Outlook

$48,381

Career Opportunities:

Diesel Mechanic, Light-Duty Mechanic

Diesel Equipment Mechanic Career Pathway

Career Pathways are designed to help you reach your educational goals and explore college and career options. Pathways are made up of related certificates, diplomas and degrees that build on common skills and knowledge. You can begin at any point on the Career Pathway and customize your pathway to fit your goals. View the pathway for your area of interest.

There are many opportunities, both in high school and through previous college, work, and/or military experience, to earn credit for prior learning at Gateway.

Certificates include a streamlined set of courses in a specific program area, providing a set of industry-recognized skills preparing students for entry-level employment. Certificate opportunities in this pathway include:

Diesel Mechanic's Assistant

Technical diplomas help students learn hands-on occupational skills in as little as one or two years for full-time students. Technical diploma opportunities in this pathway include:

Diesel Equipment Mechanic

Associate degrees are typically completed in two years by full-time students and combine hands-on technical skills with general education. Associate degree opportunities in this pathway include:

Diesel Equipment Technology

Prepare to enter your exciting new career, or choose to continue your education with another Gateway program or by transferring your credits to a four-year college or university.

Curriculum Sheet:

31-412-1 Diesel Equipment Mechanic Full-Time 2024-2025 Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Course Number: 412-106Credits: 4.00

This course will develop the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, repair and maintain heavy duty vehicle braking systems. Hydraulic and pneumatic drum and disc systems will be covered. This course will help prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 412-111Credits: 2.00

The student will develop the knowledge and skills to operate in today's heavy duty vehicle repair facility. Shop safety, hazardous material handling, hand tool identification and tool and personal safety will be emphasized. Skills development will be stress in the areas of precision measurement instrument usage, basic mechanical skills, and basic wiring skills learn the basic skills. Additionally, the course will include instruction on use of electronic information services, hard copy shop manuals and Wisconsin automotive practice regulations (ATCP132.)

Course Number: 412-116Credits: 3.00

The student will develop the knowledge and skills that are required to conduct preventative maintenance on today's heavy duty vehicles. Students will become familiar with established industry standards and regulations (state and federal) and the NORTH AMERICAN out of service criteria. Vehicle inspections will be conducted on both on and off road vehicles with emphasis on component identification and inspections and preventative maintenance services. This course will help the student prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 412-117Credits: 3.00

This course will focus on the skills and knowledge required for today's technician to effectively diagnose, service and repair heavy duty suspension systems. Analysis of the construction and working principles of chassis components including vehicle frames, suspension systems, steering systems, wheels and tires will be covered along with wheel alignment. This course will help the student prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 890-155Credits: 1.00

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

Course Number: 412-112Credits: 4.00

The student will develop the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, repair and maintain heavy duty vehicle power trains. Topics will include clutches, manual transmissions, drive shafts, universal joints, and drive axles. This course will help the student prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 412-107Credits: 4.00

This course will develop the basic knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, repair and maintain basic electrical/electronic systems that are utilized on today's heavy duty vehicles. Emphasis will be placed on the Direct Current (DC) fundamentals and vehicle charging and starting systems. This course will help the student prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 801-196Credits: 3.00

This course focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication, and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities, and other projects.

Course Number: 804-135Credits: 3.00

This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

Course Number: 412-114Credits: 3.00

This course will develop the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, repair and maintain heavy duty vehicle heating, cooling and air-conditioning systems. Students will be required to take and pass the federal and state air-conditioning certification. This course will help the student prepare for ASE certification.

Course Number: 801-136Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

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Application for Admission & Application Fee
Students must meet one of the following multiple measures: earned a technical diploma or higher,* earned a minimum high school GPA of 2.6, earned a minimum college GPA of 2.0 or submit ACT or Accuplacer test scores. Submit any needed transcripts or test scores. *Please note short term technical diplomas do not fulfill Multiple Measures. These programs include Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, and Truck Driving.

As an ASE Education Foundation certified school, Gateway Technical College is recognized as upholding the highest quality training in the transportation industry.