Program’s Mission Statement

 Th purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in a wide variety of diesel related occupations as entry level Diesel Technicians.

Program Content

Specialized classroom and shop experiences are utilized to enable the student to become proficient in repair and maintenance of heavy trucks and buses.  Instruction includes experience on large diesel engines, complex transmissions and differentials, air brakes and other components that often are radically different from those in automobiles. 

The program content includes use and care of hand tools, power tools, specialized tools and equipment, use of current industry standards, practices, techniques and basic hydraulics welding, electricity and electronics.

The course/program also provides supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

Entrance Requirements

¹    16 years of age or older and not currently
     enrolled in another Miami-Dade County Public
     School.

¹    Occupational Interest

Length of Program

The entire program is 1680 hours, but students can earn a certificate at the completion of the following OCP’s:

OCP A (Diesel Engine Mechanic/Technician
              Helper) 360 hours

OCP B (Diesel Electrical and Electronics
             Technician) 240 hours

OCP C (Diesel Engine Preventive Maintenance
             Technician) 120 hours

OCP D (Diesel Equipment Preventive Maintenance
              Technician) 120 hours

OCP E (Diesel Brakes Technician) 240 hours

OCP F (Diesel Hydraulics Technician) 120 hours

OCP G (Diesel Heating and Air Conditioning
             Technician) 120 hours

OCP H (Diesel Steering and Suspension           
              Technician) 120 hours

OCP I (Diesel Drive Train Technician) 240 hours

 Minimum basic-skills grade levels required for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate are 9^th grade in Math, Reading, and Language on the TABE Test

Employment Opportunities:

¹    Diesel Technicians

¹    Working in many Diesel related industries such as boats, trucks, buses, cars, ships trains, heavy equipment farm, equipment power generation and landscaping equipment.

There is work for diesel mechanics in a wide variety of conditions and industries. Truck fleets and bus companies use diesel mechanics to repair heavy equipment in the field. Ships use diesel mechanics to work on engines so big you can work inside them. A traditional shortage of good diesel mechanics offers maximum job security and top fringe benefits.

Salary

Salaries for programs graduates with entry-level skills range  from $32,000 to  $ 40,000 annually.

A technician with 2-5 years experience can increase their salary range from $32,563 to $34,595, while master technicians earn from $52,000 to $62,000.

A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is recommended for technicians, as well as, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification to make applicants more attractive to industry and also determines higher wages.