Summer 2022 - 21

program along with his work in the industry.
Frey is now a consultant who assisted the College in
establishing the program, working alongside Herr.
" Our industry needs technicians in the worst
way, and that's why they have supported the
development of this program, " said Herr.
" The diesel industry goes so far - heavy-duty trucks,
buses, construction equipment, power generation,
boats, and agricultural equipment. People are
retiring and there's not enough people around who
can do this work to keep the equipment repaired and
running smoothly. "
Much of the industry - such as trucking and
motor fleets - is heavily regulated. There are
complex maintenance schedules to keep vehicles
and equipment operating safely and reliably.
Construction equipment is usually maintained based
on time or mileage.
This is also why the diesel technology program is
heavily focused on safety. Herr said his students
learned quickly that safety is the top priority
followed by reliability.
In class, he assigned them to take turns giving a daily
safety message. Students were reluctant to do it at
first, but that changed once they started working.
" You may be working on a truck that hauls 80,000
pounds and has a maintenance schedule regulated
by the industry. Plus, the state Department of
Transportation comes in and does regular audits of
the vehicles. "
" Once students are on the job, it's real to them. Once
they experience it, it sinks in, " he said. " Then I had
students asking to do safety messages in class! "
The curriculum is progressive, with each concept
building knowledge and skills for the next learning
outcome.
" Electricity clicks with some students while diesel
engines click with others. Everyone has the things
they like -- their strong points - and they're tearing
up this work, " said Herr.
" Dan Frey told me your main reward comes when
students get back in touch with you, " he said, " and
I'm already seeing that. I'm in touch with my students
who are working at jobs over the summer. "
Starting a new program does have its challenges,
but help is available through the Industry Advisory
Council (IAC). Industry representatives meet
regularly with Herr and Frey, and they are working
to promote the program with the goal to enroll 25
students per class.
" Our IAC members are the who's who of the
industry, and they've donated equipment, software
and online learning management systems to help
train technicians, " said Herr. " We've also received
donations of heavy-duty trucks - ones that are
roadworthy and worth $40,000 or more, even during
the time that truck orders are waylaid for almost two
years now. "
Herr said the diesel industry is large and growing
- encompassing heavy-duty trucks, buses,
construction equipment, power generation, boats,
and agricultural equipment. He said people are
retiring and there's not enough people to replace
them who can do the work.
A second instructor is expected to start over the
summer, and as Herr's class from last year advances
to their 2nd
fall.
year, a new 1st year class will begin in the
Herr is planning to visit area schools to recruit
students and to publicize the program at local events
such as the Mother's Day truck convoy, a truck show
at the Lebanon Expo Center, and motorsports such
as truck and tractor pulls.
" We know a lot of students have mechanical
interests and want to work with their hands, " said
Herr. " Our other automotive program gets flooded
with applications and students have to be turned
away.
" More than half the students I have are already
placed in jobs. They are working part-time over the
summer and while they finish school, and then they'll
move into full-time positions. Employers will offer a
lot of accommodations right now because they really
need people.
" Companies come to us looking for employees, and
students have their pick of 13-15 jobs, " said Herr.
" Every student I have that wants a job has a job. "
Summer 2022  21
Summer 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Summer 2022
