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Studies & Degrees in Diesel Technology

Diesel technology is the vocational study of diesel engines and the vehicles and machines they power: trucks, buses, tractors, construction equipment, boats, locomotives and generators. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes diesel service technicians as workers who inspect, repair or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.

A diesel programme goes through the vehicle system by system. Williston State College, for example, lists engines, electrical systems, fuel systems, hydraulics, brakes, steering, HVAC, drive trains, welding, and diesel engine diagnosis and repair. Computer diagnostics are central: the BLS notes that many shops use computer diagnostic equipment to detect problems and adjust engine functions, and that technicians work on electrical and exhaust systems so that vehicles comply with pollution regulations.

Qualifications and levels

Diesel technology is taught at community and technical colleges, not as a university degree subject. The programmes mix classroom teaching with long hours in the workshop.

  • Certificates and diplomas. These take from one semester to about a year and a half. Idaho State University offers a one-semester specialised certificate in on-site power generation and an Advanced Technical Certificate of 1.5 years. Alexandria Technical & Community College awards a Diesel Mechanics diploma as well as a degree.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS). This is the standard two-year degree. The AAS at Williston State College requires at least 62 credits. At Northeast Community College students choose an agriculture or a truck concentration, receive over 1,000 hours of lab-based training and complete a 360-hour summer internship.
  • Industry certification. In the United States the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) runs the T series of tests (T1 to T8) for medium and heavy truck technicians. The BLS notes that certification may require previous experience as well as an exam.
  • Spain. There is no title with this name. The nearest official vocational (FP) qualification is Técnico en Electromecánica de Maquinaria, a grado medio cycle of 2,000 hours that includes a module on auxiliary systems of the diesel engine.

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Places can be limited: Williston State College admits 16 students to its programme, the College of Southern Idaho 19, and Idaho State University 48 each year.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 19 active schools for diesel technology, all in the United States. Many are in the Midwest and the Mountain West. Examples are Alexandria Technical & Community College (Minnesota), Northeast Community College and Central Community College (Nebraska), Kirkwood Community College (Iowa), Williston State College (North Dakota), City College at MSU Billings (Montana), Laramie County Community College and Western Wyoming Community College (Wyoming), and Idaho State University, North Idaho College and the College of Southern Idaho (Idaho). Teaching is in English.

Programmes differ in emphasis. Kirkwood Community College prepares students for agricultural equipment, heavy truck and trailer, or heavy equipment work. North Idaho College trains entry-level truck and heavy equipment technicians. When comparing schools, check the start dates (Idaho State University accepts students in August and January), the length of the work placement and the tools students must buy.

Careers

Graduates work in truck and bus fleets, dealerships and repair shops, and with employers that run farm, construction, mining, marine, rail or power generation equipment. Technicians might need a commercial driver's licence to test-drive buses and large trucks.

The BLS projects employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics in the United States to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 24,400 openings each year. It adds that some demand may be reduced as firms turn to vehicles that need less maintenance and repair than diesel ones.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a diesel technology programme take?

An Associate of Applied Science takes two years. Certificates and diplomas are shorter, from one semester to about a year and a half.

What is the difference between diesel technology and heavy equipment maintenance?

Diesel programmes centre on trucks, buses and engines. Heavy equipment programmes centre on construction, farm and rail machines. The BLS treats them as two occupations, but many colleges teach both in one department.

Do diesel technicians need a certification?

It is not always required, but employers may require or prefer it. In the United States the ASE T series tests cover medium and heavy trucks.

Can I study diesel technology in Spain?

The schools listed here are all in the United States. In Spain the related official title is Técnico en Electromecánica de Maquinaria, taught in vocational training centres.