Diesel Technology | Western Dakota Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 49-3031.00

Skills

TroubleshootingRepairingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingEquipment SelectionJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

MechanicalTransportationEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and Security

Abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionHearing SensitivityProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningMultilimb CoordinationExtent Flexibility

Tasks

Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareFacilities management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Acetylene torchesAdjustable crescent wrenchesAdjustable widemouth pliersAdjustable wrenchesBall peen hammersBattery chargersBearing heating ovensBlast cleaning cabinetsBleeder wrenchesBlow gunsBore gaugesBoring barsBoring toolsBox end wrenchesBrake shoe adjusting tools

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsAchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium49-3031.00	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	title_inference	$60,640 median$85,980 top	+2.44%	780

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Hand tools, pneumatic wrenches, and welding equipment — select and operate with limited oversight to complete scheduled repairs on medium-duty diesel trucks.
Brake systems, wheel bearings, and steering mechanisms — inspect and evaluate independently against manufacturer specifications during scheduled preventive maintenance visits.
Hydraulic hoists and floor jacks — position and operate without direct supervision to safely raise buses and heavy equipment in a busy fleet shop.
Brake relining, wheel alignment, and bolt torquing — adjust and complete reassembly to specification across a range of commercial vehicle models encountered in daily workflow.
Motor analyzers and chassis diagnostic charts — connect and interpret readings to isolate malfunctions on diesel engines with moderate complexity in a fleet maintenance environment.
Preventive maintenance intervals — manage and document oil changes, battery load tests, and lubrication cycles for multiple vehicles using facilities management software.
Safety guards and critical fasteners — systematically examine and adjust on returning fleet vehicles, escalating findings that exceed acceptable tolerances to senior staff.
Diagnostic data from handheld computers and pressure gauges — analyze and cross-reference to narrow probable causes of reported drivability complaints on route buses.
Repair timelines and work orders — prioritize and communicate with dispatchers and service writers to ensure on-time vehicle return in a high-volume commercial shop.
Troubleshooting findings and repair recommendations — document clearly using word processing and spreadsheet software to maintain accurate vehicle service histories.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.