Diesel Programs | Madison College

Folks who know diesel are in demand. Get a jumpstart on a career maintaining, diagnosing and repairing medium and heavy diesel trucks or heavy equipment at Madison College.

From medium and heavy trucks, such as over-the-road, delivery trucks, fire engines, and buses to heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and loaders, diesel-powered equipment keep the economy moving. So, the demand is high for highly skilled people to get broken equipment running again as quickly as possible.

If you are someone who is fascinated by big equipment and loves working with your hands and getting a little dirty, our diesel programs are for you.

diesel technology students in the shop working on trucks and heavy construction equipment — The diesel program combines hands-on training and technical instruction as students repair and maintain commercial trucks and heavy equipment.

Diesel Technology Careers

A career in diesel technology is for someone who enjoys physical work and performing a diverse range of tasks, while occasionally outdoors. While some technicians work inside shops, some aspire to do field service work, fixing customers’ machines onsite (construction sites, manufacturing plants, mines, etc.).

Successful service technicians can independently diagnose or troubleshoot problems and provide solutions. They must also be able to work under pressure and effectively communicate with customers to help them make decisions about their downed machines.

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

Madison College offers degrees in Heavy Equipment Technology and in Medium and Heavy Truck Technology. Both programs cover all the workings of their specialized diesel machines.

Whichever program you choose, you will learn to diagnose, repair and service machines that run on diesel engines through hands-on training in our state-of-the-art shop environment.

Faculty with real-world experience will guide you through electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems as well as heating and air conditioning systems. Small class sizes mean you’ll benefit from personalized attention.

The curriculum for all programs is designed and reviewed with input from local employers to ensure the courses get you the skills you need to be successful in the industry.

Along with your technical skills, you’ll develop the personal and professional skills needed to make you a sought-after and valued employee.

Diesel News

Get In-demand Diesel Skills

Diesel program graduates are prepared to:

Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening and the ability to work effectively in teams and to incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
Project a professional image by being on time, clean and honest as well as accepting responsibility for your actions.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.
Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.

Diesel Technology Program Options

You can choose to specialize in Medium and Heavy Truck Technology or Heavy Equipment Technology. Madison College offers an associate degree and a technical diploma within each program.

Associate Degree vs. Technical Diploma

The associate degree programs include all the same hands-on technical training as a technical diploma, plus additional professional skill courses in math, communication and economics.

The associate degrees also require an internship to help you jumpstart your experience and career.

A technical diploma will prepare you for an entry-level position.
An associate degree typically provides more opportunities for advancement in the future.