Central Georgia Technical College recently announced the addition of the Diesel Truck Maintenance certificate program to the Peach County Workforce Development Center beginning spring semester 2017, bolstering the course and training offerings already available at the Center for its surrounding communities.
 
The addition of the Diesel Truck Maintenance certificate program now makes three certificate programs, including Bus Driver and Commercial Truck Driving, offered at the PCWDC. The new certificate programs, combined with CGTC’s credit instruction offerings, Adult Education programs and services, and the expansion of the Move on When Ready high school dual enrollment program in Peach County ensure a technical education pipeline that bolsters workforce development in central Georgia.
 
Since its opening in 2015, the PCWDC has sought to offer programs that give county residents the ability to cultivate a workforce with the skills and training needed to further economic development in the surrounding area, in addition to further educational opportunities from the College.
 
CGTC administration continues to see the growth of the diesel truck, bus and commercial driving industry particularly in the heart of Peach County. The Commercial Straight Truck and Passenger Driving certificate program, new to the Center in Fall 2016, is designed to address the high demand for drivers in the trucking and bus driving industry.
 
The DTM certificate program intends to meet those same demands, it just pops the hood a little bit.
 
“The Diesel Truck Maintenance Certificate we are offering at the new Peach County Workforce Development Center is a further expansion of our commitment to prepare entry-level diesel technicians for this exciting and high-demand field,” said Michael Engel, dean for Academic Affairs in the Aerospace, Trade and Industry Division.
 
The DTM program prepares students for specialized jobs through a sequence of Diesel Engine Technology courses designed to facilitate understanding of diesel equipment, service and repairs. It emphasizes both repair theory and practical application of semi-trucks, trailers and other diesel equipment. Course topics include, diesel shop safety, tools and equipment, preventative maintenance procedures, truck brake systems, and drive trains.
 
Ken Hardy, automotive instructor at CGTC, said students can expect to learn technical terminology associated with diesel technology that will be a knowledge base as they learn hands-on skills required to repair heavy duty equipment. Heavy duty vehicles will be on-site for students to perform developmental tasks in preparation for entry-level employment.
 
Hardy said companies such as Yancey Bus Sales and Service, Blue Bird® and Macon Water Authority, and local farmers, diesel shops and dealers have called him looking for qualified technicians. He echoed Engel in saying the field is in very high demand and offers very good salaries.
 
Program graduates receive a Diesel Equipment Technology certification that qualifies them for entry-level work as technicians.
 
DTM also falls within the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, a state-funded program initiated by Governor Nathan Deal which awards funding to students meeting criteria within certain programs. In 2013, the Governor’s Office, legislators and the Georgia Student Finance Commission determined what programs were strategically vital for Georgia’s economic growth. Students who enroll in the DTM program may qualify for free tuition.