UNOH Now Offering A Diesel Technology Associate Degree

In May an economic report announced that there were more than 8 million unfilled positions in the U.S. job market. Another article I read stated that there were 5 million job openings for people with specialized skills. These were better paying jobs that differed from service sector positions.

These numbers were in my mind as I read a July 5 story about the University of Northwestern Ohio's new Diesel Technology Associate Degree program that will begin this fall. The new program will include classes that students need to become professional Mack and Volvo technicians upon completion of the program. The program is titled Diesel Technology -- Mack/Volvo DATE. DATE is an acronym for Diesel Advanced Technology Education.

What is clear from the announcement of this program is that diesel truck manufacturers recognize that there will be an increased need for diesel technicians for years to come as professional mechanics retire and exit the field. 

This is the third degree program that UNOH offers related to diesel tech. Last year the school initiated a program for medium/heavy duty diesel vehicles, and the another program has as its focus on light duty vehicle and diesel engines.

Mack diesel engines are built to last.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be an additional 24,000 job openings for diesel technicians within the coming 8 years. UNOH is dedicated to filling this unmet need for skilled vehicle service technicians within the diesel industry.

The article makes note that students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and a 97% attendance record. But it also points out that "upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for immediate employment at any of the hundreds of Mack and Volvo truck dealerships across North America."

What they especially desire is to see the spark of passion for this industry. Courses will include topics specific to Mack and Volvo engines, including a focus on powertrains, electrical and electronic systems. Students will also learn about chassis components, software and engine diagnosis and repair. The school is hands on so that in addition to theory there is shop time, maintenance training and testing.

Investing in yourself is a decision that yields a lifetime of dividends. 

Key Links

10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic

UNOH: Turn Your Passion Into A Career

UNOH Launches Third Diesel Technology Associate Degree

Diesel Vehicles Aren't Going Away Any Time Soon. What We Need Is More Mechanics.

The Hollywood film Bicentennial Man, starring Robin Williams, is the story of a robot named Andrew who increasingly seeks to become human. It begins at a time when androids that can take care of routine household tasks are beginning to be mass produced. Robin Williams is one of the robots, essentially a household appliance.

There's a defect in Andrew, because he's developed a capacity for emotional attachments and though he follows the first law of robots (Obey your masters) he nevertheless isn't just another bot. The sad part of being a robot is that you outlive the families you serve, and Andrew's span of years is two centuries in this film.

The story is about Andrew's quest to become human. Part of this involves future developments in prosthetic organs and limbs. 

What's intriguing is how over time there are fewer and fewer mechanics who can do the repair work Andrew desires. After much searching he finds Rupert Burns, an old school tinkerer and technician. Burns becomes a handy asset for Andrew as he gets "worked on" with new body parts. 

* * * 

I share this because as we look in the the future, there is going to be a need for skilled hands-on mechanics to take care of the millions of vehicles we drive. Currently there are roughly 36 million trucks on the road today. According to the American Trucking Association there are close to a half million interstate freight carriers. (Big shout out to all the truckers transporting Covid vaccines around the country in a timely fashion.) 75 percent of our trucks, and 97 percent of our interstate transport rigs are diesel powered.

These are pretty staggering numbers, and though EVs get most of the publicity, diesel trucks will be an essential part of our transportation landscape for decades to come. An essential role in the future of trucking will be the need for mechanics to maintain these machines.

Do you like puzzles and problem solving? Engines can be fascinating? Do you like working with your hands? Do you like the feeling you get when you have skills that are essential to the future of the economy?  

According to Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the following skills are important for a career as a diesel mechanic or technician:

1. Attention to Detail (ability to focus)

2. Communication Skills

3. Technical Knowledge

4. Problem Solving

5. Desire to Succeed

For those with an entrepreneurial drive, there can be still wider horizons after you have laid a foundation with several years of experience and a good mentor.

* * * 

This blog posted was prompted by an article I read about a new diesel technology center that has opened in Oregon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for diesel technicians and mechanics is expected to continue growing over the next ten years. A college education is not for everyone. You might only end up with a piece of paper and $25,000 in debt. There's dignity in a career in the trades. As with everything else, you can never tell where it will lead.

* * * 

Related Links

Fixing the Economy Begins by Fixing Our Workforce l

Looking for a Career? 10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic

Interview Tips for Diesel Mechanics

Diesel Tech Qualifications

* * * 

Do you have diesel news or a good diesel story?

Tell us about it. Send it to our Blue Flame director Karl Dedolph III 

@ kdedolph@championbrands.com