SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College will officially begin its new Diesel, Truck, &
Heavy Equipment Technology program in the Fall 2021 semester.
The Diesel, Truck & Heavy Equipment Technology program is designed to prepare students
to enter the field of diesel, truck and heavy equipment service, maintenance, and
repair. The curriculum includes diagnostic, maintenance, and repair courses in the
areas diesel engine, powertrain, electrical, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning
(HVAC).
"After literally years of planning, we finally have a new Diesel, Truck & Heavy Equipment
program to offer our communities," WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. "We are
absolutely thrilled and we owe a debt of gratitude to the local businesses that have
guided and encouraged us along the way. Without strong partnerships, this would not
have been possible. Together, we are growing the workforce we need throughout the
Nebraska Panhandle."
The program will be hosted at Aulick Industries' old location, on Avenue I in Scottsbluff.
Aulick Industries offered the property and building space to WNCC for a yearly payment
of $31,680, which Aulick will then generously donate to the WNCC Foundation.
"This donation gives the WNCC Diesel, Truck, & Heavy Equipment program an ideal location as the program gets underway," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig
said. "Support from industry partners like Aulick is invaluable as we launch and grow this
program. Our entire region benefits from this generous gift."
WNCC began developing the program after several businesses in the Panhandle identified
a strong need for diesel and heavy equipment technicians in the area. According to
the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Panhandle sees an average of 21 job openings
per year related to diesel engine specialists and truck mechanics. That number is
expected to grow through the year 2026.
The new program has been approved by Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The final stamp of approval will come from the Department
of Education, to deem if the program will be eligible for federal financial aid. While
WNCC awaits approval from the Department of Education, the next focus will be to hire
a full-time instructor for the program and ensure future students will have the tools
and equipment necessary to succeed in the program.
For more information or to apply for the new Diesel, Truck, & Heavy Equipment Technology
program, visit go.wncc.edu/dieseltech.