DCTS - Diesel Technology

Program Overview

As the diesel equipment industry continues to expand, the demand for technicians to repair and maintain diesel equipment grows. Students in the Diesel Technology program will receive training in the maintenance, servicing, and repair of medium-duty and heavy-duty transportation equipment. The Diesel Technology curriculum is designed to instruct students to work in the 21st century on the diesel engines that power vehicles like tractor/trailers, buses, and trucks. Areas of study include the use of technical manuals, a variety of power and hand tools, instruction in diagnosis and malfunction of computer controls, and parts inspection, repair and replacement. You will also receive training on other systems like brakes, drive trains, heating/air conditioning, and hydraulics. The program emphasizes the skills necessary to maintain all types of equipment, and how to repair and maintain both on- and off-road use vehicles. Instruction will be provided in oxyacetylene and AC/DC welding operations. Co-op opportunities exist for qualified students at dealerships, truck repair facilities, trucking companies, and construction equipment repair facilities. Students will have an opportunity to earn an International Mobile Air Conditioning Service Certification and Bendix Air Brake System Training Certificate of Completion. Students who qualify will be eligible to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle State Inspection and Emission programs.

Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)

Educational & Physical Attributes	Expectations
Program Safety & Physical Considerations	Adhere to uniform requirements A focus on safety around moving equipment, hand tools, power tools & other equipment found in the industry Ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly & accurately Ability to work in tight spaces Ability to work independently, read & follow directions Good eye/hand coordination Stamina to stand for long periods of time Willingness to work with certain chemicals and be able to handle the odors associated with working in a diesel shop Ability to lift relatively heavy equipment (at least 50–75 pounds)
Essential APTITUDES for this lab–Recommended Levels	Finger dexterity, manual dexterity Motor coordination Critical thinking Complex problem solving Troubleshooting Spatial/visual thinking Good speaking skills Organization Willingness to get dirty Self–disciplined Work well with others and independently Display on–task behavior
Reading	Explain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading text Follow a complex multi–step procedure independently Comprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visuals Learn and apply content–specific symbols correctly Apply content–specific vocabulary correctly Identify and explain how different ideas connect throughout text Read and understand diagnostic and schematic data to solve a problem Compare & contrast information in a text Summarize information from different written resources By the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficiently Textbook: Heavy Duty Truck Systems, Fifth Edition, Average grade reading level: 14.25 Textbook: Diesel Technology, Eighth Edition, Average grade reading level: 14.77
Writing	Produce clear & coherent writing Develop and strengthen writing by brainstorming, revising, editing & rewriting Write with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabulary Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self–generated question) or solve a problem Write routinely over short/long time frames for a range of tasks, purposes & audiences Clearly convey with precision step–by–step work completed Write fast–paced, accurate work reports Use technology to produce, publish or share writing Write different types of texts such as: argumentative, informative & explanatory focused on program specific context
Math Levels	Numbers and Operations: Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimals Grade 6 – Fraction computations Grade 7 – Percent and ratio problems Algebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversions Measurement: NG – Units: English Metric Precision: 0.001 inch Grade 6 – Unit conversion within and between measuring systems Grade 8 – Volume of cone, cylinder, sphere Algebraic Concepts: Algebra 1 – Solve equations for a given variable (rewriting formulas) Data and Probability: Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictions
Theory Time	30–60 minutes/day
Homework	30–60 minutes/week – There will be an in–class opportunity to complete most assignments and also time to study for upcoming assessments. Additional studying and work not completed in–class will need to be completed at home.
Lab Time	2– 2.5 hours/day
Tests	Chapter tests– online Task list completion rubrics NOCTI (mandatory for all CTE programs)
POS Academics and Electives Recommended	College Prep English & Math are a component of the DCTS program Blueprint Reading
Study & Other Skills	Note– taking skills Good attendance
Technology Skills/Knowledge	Use and navigate school–issued laptop Web navigation Email management Navigate learning management system and instructional technology tools Video conferencing Database navigation Use and navigate industry–specific electronic diagnostic equipment
Certifications Offered	Required Course Certifications: Get Ahead– Daimler Trucks North American OSHA Certification– General Industry (Automotive)– Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA FOrklift Operator– CAT Section 609 Certification for Refrigerant Recycling and Recovery– Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide and National Institution for Automotive Service Excellence Snap–On Multimeter Certification– Snap–On Snap–On Scanner Certification– Snap–On Timken Tech Series Certification– Timken SP2: Heavy Duty Technology Safety Automotive Service Pollution Prevention Daimler Trucks– Heavy Duty Term. Valvoline (Fluids and Chemicals) WD–40 (Tool Maintenance and Cleaning) Building Resumes for Automotive Field Interview Skills for Automotive Industry Supervisor’s Course Team Meetings Preparing a Vehicle for Service Ethics and You in the Automotive Industry Optional, but Recommended Certifications: Automotive Service Excellence Certification (ASE)– National Institution Technicians Education Foundation PA Emissions Inspector– PA Department of Transportation PA Safety Inspector, Category I, II, and III– PA Department of Transportation *Can be received through our Adult Education program once you turn eighteen years of age
Post–Secondary Options and Continuing Ed	Johnson College– 12 credits

Diesel Technology

CIP Code

Possible Careers

Potential Certifications

Articulated Credits

Program Overview