program review - portland community college
TRANSCRIPT
Program ReviewThe successful Diesel Service Technology Program
graduate will be able
to confidently enter industry employment with skills and knowledge to
perform entry level work, as defined by industry.
We believe that certain fundamental values direct the course of our
program, influence our decisions and focus our purpose. As a program,
we value and strive:
To provide and maintain quality instruction and equipment that represents
current industry standards.
To advise and assist students towards completion of their academic and
career goals.
To bring awareness to the public the scope and economic effects of the
Diesel Industry
To provide a safe and hostile free learning environment.
To respect the dignity and worth of each individual
To maximize the efficiency of public funds and allocate them as intended.
Instructors and Staff
Gary York, Instructor
Ken Ottwell, Instructor
Robert Bonner, Instructor
Education Specialist
Bob Cook, Instructional Assistant
Christine Randall, Administrative Assistant
Dan Findley, Division Dean
John Anderson Anderson Truck Parts Bob Mohagen Clyde West
Frank Blakemore Fed Ex Freight Mike Owen Tri-Met
Terry Burns AG West Supply Bill Overall Snap-On Industrial
Brian Chajewski Ingersoll-Rand Equipment Jeff Scholz City of Portland
Wayne Coastes Northside Ford Ron Schrenk Schneider National
Pape’ Kenworth Trucks Mike Sheets NW Handling Systems
Joe Cornell Ingersoll-Rand Equipment Max Smith Cummins NW
Mike Davenport Halton Company Jim Stowell Fisher Implement Co
Gary Dawson Tec Equipment Fisher Implement Co
Brian Eki Pacific Power Products Joe Talmadge Pape’ Kenworth Trucks
Carolyn Forbes Cummins NW Ted Ostrye Pacific Power Products
Gary Frey Anderson Truck Parts Pat Thoma Pacific Power Products
Jack Hager Halton Company Derek Tompoles Union Pacific
Bill Harden TravelCenters of America Dave Webb Tri-Met
Owen Kane Thermo King NorthWest Thomas William Metro New Holland
Darrel Bridges Portland Freightliner John Wojtas Western Power & Equip
Steve Lepschat McCoy Freightliner Corp Joe Worley Brattain International Inc
Jim McKinny Keiwit Pacific Steve Yager DSU Peterbilt
Portland Community College Members:
Robert Bonner
National and Professional Curriculum Standards:
Program review is an ongoing process. We, as a department SACC, have been
constantly rewriting our course content guides to update the individual classes to reflect
industry needs and maintain the department’s ASE/NATEF accreditation.
The Diesel Program at Portland Community College is Master Certified by the
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) through the National Automotive Technical
Education Foundation (NATEF). Master Certification is the highest level of certification.
All PCC Diesel Technology Instructors are ASE certified in their areas of instruction.
ASE was founded in 1972 as an answer to the automotive industry having a bad
reputation. The Congress of the United States was going to hold hearing on the subject,
when industry stepped in and wanted to handle the problems internally.
Research showed that technician education was more the problem than unscrupulous
mechanics and shops.
ASE was formed to set standards for technicians and shops. To become ASE certified,
The technician had to pass a test of knowledge. The “ASE Certified” sign in the shop
window became the beacon for people who wanted the best.
In 1983, ASE saw a need to have certified training programs. The National Automotive
Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) was formed as a testing division of ASE.
They set the standards and tasks to be offered by a certified school and approached
Community Colleges to become certified.
All of our classes are prepared in a way to fulfil the requirements of ASE certification.
There are many requirements to be met, such as actually doing certain tasks, opposed to
just reading about them. These tasks are chosen by industry people to reflect the skills
needed in the current job market.
Another requirement is having an active industry advisory committee. The advisory
committee helps to keep the program on course to meet local and national needs.
The Diesel Service Program has three levels of completion.
The First level includes thirty six hours of core diesel classes in addition to diesel
welding, computer class and any reading, writing and math classes deemed necessary to
be able to test into reading 90, writing 90 and math 60 before completing the program.
The successful completion of this level, will earn the student a One Year Certificate.
The Second level includes all seventy two hours of diesel core classes in addition to
diesel welding, computer class, and any reading, writing and math classes deemed
necessary to test into reading 90, writing 90 and math 60 before completing the program.
The successful completion of this level will earn the student a Two Year Certificate.
The Third level includes all seventy two hours of core diesel classes in addition to diesel
welding, computer class, sixteen hours of general education classes and math 65 plus
writing 121 competencies.
The successful completion of this level will earn the student an Associates Degree in
Applied Science.
Results of Assessments of Program Outcomes
Changes to our program, to keep us current with industry and our ASE/NATEF
certification, are a continuing process. The diesel SACC is constantly reviewing new
material. Electric class has tried several new texts, before returning to the original text
used for many years. Fuels and Engine rebuild is reviewing new texts that reflect the
advancements in technology in the diesel field.
Many new training aids and equipment have been added to our program.
Over head bridge crane.
MBE 400 2007 low emission engine and after treatment device.
DD Series 60 EGR 2004 emission engine
Diagnostic software and web based service information.
Numerous individual components used in all classes.
Presentation materials from industry.
New digital image projectors and sound systems in all diesel class rooms.
Learning Outcomes:
DS 101:
Shop Procedures and Engine Rebuild is a twelve-credit outcome based class.
This class covers engine theory, engine components, and proper diesel engine rebuild
procedures.
Introduces basic engine electrical and fuel systems, shop tool use and maintenance.
The student learns Shop Practices while working on an engine instead of practice projects
giving them more time on the engine rebuild part of the class.
Some older engine models have been retired from Engine Rebuild to make room for
newer series and configurations. This allows the students to better match their needs with
a modern engine selection along with some older, but still in use engines.
Intended Outcome:
In this class, the student will disassemble, inspect, reassemble, and run an
operative diesel engine to identify how all of the internal systems become a
functional unit.
Gain knowledge of how and why diesel engines work.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
diesel engines.
Learn skills in engine failure diagnoses and practice researching the failure
symptoms in service manuals and other sources to research and diagnose engine
failures
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS102
Truck Power Trains is a six credit, outcome based class.
This class introduces gear transmissions, differentials and clutches involved in the
application of diesel powered vehicles.
Fifteen percent of this class is dedicated to the Electronically Controlled Manual
Transmission (Eaton Auto shift) and Drive Line vibration analysis.
Intended Outcome:
In this class students will disassemble inspect, reassemble and understand the
power flow of a variety of transmissions.
The student will gain knowledge of how and why diesel engine clutches work.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
power trains and their components.
Develop skills in failure diagnosis and researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS103
Fuel Injection Systems is a six credit outcome based class.
This class emphasizes fuel injection systems and how they relate to diesel engine
performance and operation.
Lecture and hands on training are used for instruction
The operation of all major fuel injection devices, including diesel fuels, fuel transfer
pumps, fuel nozzles, fuel injectors, filtration systems, metering systems, and governing
systems will be presented.
The focus of the course is system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Fuel system theory,
engine performance and component identification are stressed.
Intended Outcome:
The student will develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test fuel
injection components and understand the relationship between component
failure and engine operation.
Develop skills in diesel fuel system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS104
Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics is a six credit, outcome based class.
In this class the student will learn the fundamentals of electricity, electrical circuitry and
components.
Intended Outcome:
In this class the student will acquire knowledge of how and why automotive
electricity works.
Learn about the tools and material needed to properly diagnose, repair, and
maintain electrical systems.
Learn to identify and read electrical schematics, diagrams, and drawings.
Develop skills in electrical failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS105
Fundamentals of Hydraulics and Air Conditioning is a six credit, outcome based
class.
Fundamentals of Hydraulics, in theory and shop practice, provide a solid background in
applications of hydraulics in the trucking and heavy equipment industry.
We incorporated air conditioning systems into the curriculum and have all the necessary
tooling and supplies to teach air conditioning, heating and ventilation trouble shooting
and repair.
Included in our hydraulic tooling, is a hydraulic cylinder test bench to aid in teaching
large bore cylinders.
The Eaton Vickers Mobile Hydraulics Manual is the text. Both instructors have
completed factory training from Eaton Vickers and have developed lab activity sheets to
supplement the text.
Intended Outcome:
The student will develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test
hydraulic components and understand the relationship between component
failure and hydraulic system operation.
Develop knowledge of how hydraulic and air conditioning systems operate.
Develop a technical research paper.
Develop skills in hydraulic and air conditioning system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS 106
Engine Diagnostic Tune up is a three credit, outcome based class.
This class includes Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) of vehicles, Department of
Transportation (DOT) Out of Service Criteria, PM scheduling, Lubricants and
Winterizing.
Learn to understand and trouble-shoot the Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC)
system.
The instructor is Detroit Diesel factory trained and ASE certified to train Preventive
Maintenance Inspection and Engine Tune up, as well as Electronic Controls.
Intended Outcome:
Develop knowledge of diesel engine diagnostic tune-up.
Develop knowledge of how to analyze and diagnose diesel engine support
systems.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly analyze and tune up
diesel engines
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
Live Equipment and Lab.
Repair of customer owned (LIVE) equipment under a minimum of supervision.
Departmental approval required.
This course is offered for students who are not seeking a degree or a certificate. The
class was created for those individuals who wish to learn specific skills or complete
specific projects. Often students who own equipment, boats or other diesel-powered
equipment take this class to better familiarize themselves with the systems they will be
using. The course is generally offered as pass no pass.
Intended Outcome:
The out come if this class is variable, depends on what the student wants to
achieve.
DS 202
Heavy Duty Power Train is a six credit, outcome based class.
Advanced theory and application on automatic and power shift transmissions as used in
the heavy equipment industry, specifically Caterpillar, Allison and Clark power train
components.
Study and diagnose the function and problems of various planetary gear sets used in
transmissions, final drives and excavator swing gear reducers.
Mock interviews with industry partners and related training are included in this class.
Intended Outcome:
Disassemble, inspect, reassemble and understand the power flow of a variety of
heavy-duty transmissions used in on and off road automatic and power shift
transmissions.
Knowledge of how torque converters work and where they are used.
Learn about the materials needed to properly repair and maintain heavy-duty
power trains and their components.
Develop skills in failure diagnosis and researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
Develop skills needed to attain employment through a mock employment
interview.
DS 203
Fuel Injection System Diagnosis and Caterpillar Electronic Engine is a six credit,
outcome based class.
Designed to cover diesel fuel injection pumps and their applications, timing advance
mechanisms, governing systems, electronic engine controls and other related items that
affect engine operation and performance.
Fuel injection pumps are still a part of the curriculum but not to the extent of past years.
There is a strong emphasis on complete system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Caterpillar electronics has been expanded due to the high percentage of electronics used
in today’s diesel engines.
Approximately 40% of the course is dedicated to the understanding, troubleshooting and
repair of Caterpillar electronic engines.
Intended Outcome:
Develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test fuel injection pumps
and governors and understand the relationship between component failure and
engine operation.
Develop skills to diagnose, repair and program Caterpillar electronic engines.
Develop skills in diesel fuel injection pump and governor failure diagnosis.
Develop job search skills.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS204
Diesel starting and Charging Systems is a six credit, outcome based class.
This course is a “hands on” class with many projects.
In this class the students will overhaul system components and practice live trouble
shooting of heavy duty electrical and systems.
Prerequisite: DS 104
Intended Outcome:
Learn the different components of an automotive electrical system, how they all
work together a unit and how to properly diagnose and repair failures.
Acquire knowledge of how and why electric motors and generators work.
Learn Cummins electronic engine controls and diagnosis.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
electrical systems.
Develop skills in electrical failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
DS 205
Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics is a six credit, outcome based class.
Covers advanced hydraulics and hydrostatics used on heavy equipment, farm machinery,
marine equipment, hydraulic cranes, back hoes and other equipment.
Emphasizes trouble-shooting
Prerequisite DS 105
Eaton Vickers Mobile Hydraulics Manual is the text. One instructor has completed
factory training from Eaton Vickers.
Bobcat provides a new Bobcat skid steer each year for training of our students. We have
an affiliate agreement with Bobcat in which they provide us with components and
technical information and we provide a site for their training.
We have three used backhoes as well as numerous pumps, valves and cylinders for use in
hands on training.
Develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test hydraulic and
hydrostatic components and understand the relationship between component
failure and hydraulic and hydrostatic operation.
Develop knowledge of how hydraulic and hydrostatic systems operate.
Develop skills in hydraulic and hydrostatic system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
DS 206
Brakes, Suspension and Steering is a nine credit, outcome based class.
In this class, the student gains knowledge of medium duty truck brake systems,
suspension and steering. Covers: air brake systems, hydraulic systems, truck foundation
brakes, anti lock brakes, automatic slack adjusters, wheels, tires and fifth wheels.
Emphasizes safety and the use of service manuals and text books.
The latest ABS systems are included in the class. Including the new PLC (power line
communications) ABS. Another air brake trailer has been added as a teaching aid. Two
updated Sterling trucks from Freightliner have been added with air systems and Bendix
ABS.
Instructor has been to Dealer and Distributor training and is ASE Certified in areas of
instruction.
suspension systems, wheels and tires, and fifth wheels.
Knowledge of how brake and suspension systems work
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
brake systems, steering systems, suspension systems, wheels, tires, and fifth
wheels.
Skills in failure diagnosis and practice researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals and other sources, to research and diagnose failures.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
Cooperative Education, Agriculture is a outcome based class.
The class has eleven goals and objectives from which the student can choose. The
purpose of the goals and objectives is to help guide the student though all the CO-OP
classes by defining which skills and type of equipment and system the student will be
learning. Student will be keeping a journal to keep track of progress in meeting the
objectives.
Apply agricultural equipment procedures in a variety of shop situations.
Appraise learned skills by providing a weekly written report.
Become familiar with employer expectations.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all
work areas.
Job outlook for our graduates:
Research of our industry has shown that there is a demand for our graduates. An Oregon
Department of Employment survey shows a need for many technicians in the next several
years.
The Diesel Advisory Committee consensus is that they need entry level technicians to fill
retirement openings.
The Oregon Department of Employment also described the retirement of large numbers
of “baby boomers”, with a smaller generation population to replace them. This makes our
graduates even more in demand.
Student Employment and Cooperative Education Specialist
In addition to being the contact person for industry looking for students to hire and
students looking for jobs, this person presents classes and individual training.
Training:
Presentation in the class room on Preparing Student Resumes & Cover Letters and
review then provides feedback on student drafts of their resume, cover letter &
reference sheet assignment.
Presentations on Completing a Job Application, then review and provide feedback on
student’s application assignment.
Presentation on Interview Skills and coordinate Mock Interviews with Employers and
students.
Services:
Assist students one on one with their resume, cover letter,
reference sheets, applications, and job search.
Obtain employment opportunities from employers and on line to
make these available for students and graduates of the program.
These opportunities are posted through both the job board and the
email list serve.
Participate in Diesel Day and Jr/Sr Day and other department
activities.
employment opportunities
The following chart from the Oregon Employment Department gives a statewide
example with comparison with Multnomah, Washington, and Tillamook Counties.
This chart only represents employers listing jobs with the Oregon Employment
Department.
Many employers advertise and conduct their own searches independently of the
Oregon Employment Department, which would increase these numbers.
Internal surveys show that all of our graduates that want jobs are getting them.
Approximately 85% are working in the industry.
A survey of recent graduates shows that after one year, wages range from a low of
$15.01 / $17.00 to a high of $20.00 /$23.00.
With fifty percent in the $17.01 to $20.00 bracket
These reflect a starting wage for our entry level graduates of $ 14.00 to $ 20.00,
more, if the graduate has prior experience or has been working for the company during
school
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
1 0 0
2007 GRADUATES WAGES AFTER ONE YEAR
Enrollment:
Our enrollment has fluctuated somewhat with the economy, when things are going good
and industry can’t get enough workers, our enrollment dips a little, but seems to recover
when industry requires a degree for employees.
Our enrollment goes up during times that are not so good because of retraining displaced
workers.
FTE
88.01
Recruitment:
The program instructors maintain a good relationship with the local high schools by
loaning running diesel engines to their automotive departments and by going, in person,
to the schools and presenting some training. This is helpful in recruiting new students
into the diesel industry and getting them into our program.
We host, in the spring, a High School “Diesel Day”. This brings as many as three to four
hundred students from local high schools into our college to see first hand the training
they will get in our program. Industry participates in this day by providing equipment,
door prizes, and other materials.
We also host, in the fall, a “Junior/Senior Day”.
This format is Industry Partners presenting to the aproximatley one hundred fifty High
School students, in a class room setting, information on their individual companies and
collectively about the Diesel Industry and the opportunities of a career working on their
products.
Scholarships:
There are several scholarships available to students. Northwest Diesel Industry
Council, Cummins Engine Company, The Halton Company and Grainger each have
limited money available to students who apply and qualify.
The Fred Dewitt and Jeff Printze Memorial Scholarship for Excellence is awarded when
funds are available.
There are also Portland Community College Foundation scholarships available for
students.
Special training:
Our program utilizes a Technical Learning Skills Specialist to do advising and to assist
students who need extra help in reading, math, and writing. Also special instruction, such
as resume writing and job interview, is imbedded into the individual core classes and is
covered by a combination of our Student Employment / Cooperative Education Specialist
and Industry volunteers.
Faculty Professional Development
As Instructors in a rapidly changing field, we must try to keep current with our
curriculum.
Faculty attend many organized training sessions, such as Oregon Trucking Association
Conference, North West Diesel Instructors Conference and many other individual factory
and dealer training classes.
Diesel Service Technology Industry involvement:
As always, the Instructors are keeping close ties to industry in order to keep our program
up date and as close to industry requirements as possible. This is accomplished by
utilizing an Industry Advisory Committee and going to industry training sessions
concerning the diesel industry, especially the topics they teach.
Some examples are Eaton Vickers Hydraulic Factory Training, Electronic Engine and
Transmission Factory Classes. Also, each year, the Instructors attend a “Diesel
Instructors Conference” where industry trainers present the latest products, service
techniques, and training aids.
The Diesel Service Technology program has both formal and informal agreements
with local dealerships and local and non-local manufactures.
We are one of thirteen colleges in North America who has an affiliation agreement with
Bobcat of America. In this agreement, we provide a training site for level III courses and
provide an instructor for Level I and Level II courses. As part of this agreement, Bobcat
provides us with service literature; components, software, technical support and a new
skid steer each year. We also have the opportunity to attend training at their corporate
site in North Dakota.
We were instrumental in organizing and are charter members of the Northwest Diesel
Industry Council (NDIC). This is an organization made up of industry, private people
and colleges, with a focus on supporting diesel programs with recruitment and the
acquisition of training equipment.
The Diesel Service Technology program has developed relationships with many other
dealers and manufacturers. They provide us with free training, scholarships, technical
support, training materials, product specific software and equipment. Some of these
companies include: Freightliner, Pacific Power Products, Detroit Diesel Engine
Corporation, The Halton Company, Caterpillar Corporation, Anderson Brothers Truck
Parts, Cummins Northwest, Cummins Engine Company, Equipment Maintenance
Council, Oregon Trucking Association, Eaton Vickers, Hillsboro Diesel, Snap-on
Corporation, Napa Auto parts, Fluid Power Connectors and Parker Hannifin, to name a
few.
Many other companies help us in any way they can, and as a whole, we receive
tremendous industry support.
Articulation Agreement with four year program: Bachelor Degree:
During the last several years, an agreement with Oregon Institute of Technology,
Portland Campus has been in the works to implement a bachelor degree allowing the
graduates of diesel and other technical programs, with associate degrees from PCC, to
continue on and receive a degree in “Operations Management”. The new program will
make our Diesel Program more valuable to our prospective, current, and former students
and unique in the northwest.
Over all, the diesel program is right on track with curriculum and industry needs and
through ongoing review and improvements, we will continue to maintain the excellence
of our program.
to confidently enter industry employment with skills and knowledge to
perform entry level work, as defined by industry.
We believe that certain fundamental values direct the course of our
program, influence our decisions and focus our purpose. As a program,
we value and strive:
To provide and maintain quality instruction and equipment that represents
current industry standards.
To advise and assist students towards completion of their academic and
career goals.
To bring awareness to the public the scope and economic effects of the
Diesel Industry
To provide a safe and hostile free learning environment.
To respect the dignity and worth of each individual
To maximize the efficiency of public funds and allocate them as intended.
Instructors and Staff
Gary York, Instructor
Ken Ottwell, Instructor
Robert Bonner, Instructor
Education Specialist
Bob Cook, Instructional Assistant
Christine Randall, Administrative Assistant
Dan Findley, Division Dean
John Anderson Anderson Truck Parts Bob Mohagen Clyde West
Frank Blakemore Fed Ex Freight Mike Owen Tri-Met
Terry Burns AG West Supply Bill Overall Snap-On Industrial
Brian Chajewski Ingersoll-Rand Equipment Jeff Scholz City of Portland
Wayne Coastes Northside Ford Ron Schrenk Schneider National
Pape’ Kenworth Trucks Mike Sheets NW Handling Systems
Joe Cornell Ingersoll-Rand Equipment Max Smith Cummins NW
Mike Davenport Halton Company Jim Stowell Fisher Implement Co
Gary Dawson Tec Equipment Fisher Implement Co
Brian Eki Pacific Power Products Joe Talmadge Pape’ Kenworth Trucks
Carolyn Forbes Cummins NW Ted Ostrye Pacific Power Products
Gary Frey Anderson Truck Parts Pat Thoma Pacific Power Products
Jack Hager Halton Company Derek Tompoles Union Pacific
Bill Harden TravelCenters of America Dave Webb Tri-Met
Owen Kane Thermo King NorthWest Thomas William Metro New Holland
Darrel Bridges Portland Freightliner John Wojtas Western Power & Equip
Steve Lepschat McCoy Freightliner Corp Joe Worley Brattain International Inc
Jim McKinny Keiwit Pacific Steve Yager DSU Peterbilt
Portland Community College Members:
Robert Bonner
National and Professional Curriculum Standards:
Program review is an ongoing process. We, as a department SACC, have been
constantly rewriting our course content guides to update the individual classes to reflect
industry needs and maintain the department’s ASE/NATEF accreditation.
The Diesel Program at Portland Community College is Master Certified by the
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) through the National Automotive Technical
Education Foundation (NATEF). Master Certification is the highest level of certification.
All PCC Diesel Technology Instructors are ASE certified in their areas of instruction.
ASE was founded in 1972 as an answer to the automotive industry having a bad
reputation. The Congress of the United States was going to hold hearing on the subject,
when industry stepped in and wanted to handle the problems internally.
Research showed that technician education was more the problem than unscrupulous
mechanics and shops.
ASE was formed to set standards for technicians and shops. To become ASE certified,
The technician had to pass a test of knowledge. The “ASE Certified” sign in the shop
window became the beacon for people who wanted the best.
In 1983, ASE saw a need to have certified training programs. The National Automotive
Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) was formed as a testing division of ASE.
They set the standards and tasks to be offered by a certified school and approached
Community Colleges to become certified.
All of our classes are prepared in a way to fulfil the requirements of ASE certification.
There are many requirements to be met, such as actually doing certain tasks, opposed to
just reading about them. These tasks are chosen by industry people to reflect the skills
needed in the current job market.
Another requirement is having an active industry advisory committee. The advisory
committee helps to keep the program on course to meet local and national needs.
The Diesel Service Program has three levels of completion.
The First level includes thirty six hours of core diesel classes in addition to diesel
welding, computer class and any reading, writing and math classes deemed necessary to
be able to test into reading 90, writing 90 and math 60 before completing the program.
The successful completion of this level, will earn the student a One Year Certificate.
The Second level includes all seventy two hours of diesel core classes in addition to
diesel welding, computer class, and any reading, writing and math classes deemed
necessary to test into reading 90, writing 90 and math 60 before completing the program.
The successful completion of this level will earn the student a Two Year Certificate.
The Third level includes all seventy two hours of core diesel classes in addition to diesel
welding, computer class, sixteen hours of general education classes and math 65 plus
writing 121 competencies.
The successful completion of this level will earn the student an Associates Degree in
Applied Science.
Results of Assessments of Program Outcomes
Changes to our program, to keep us current with industry and our ASE/NATEF
certification, are a continuing process. The diesel SACC is constantly reviewing new
material. Electric class has tried several new texts, before returning to the original text
used for many years. Fuels and Engine rebuild is reviewing new texts that reflect the
advancements in technology in the diesel field.
Many new training aids and equipment have been added to our program.
Over head bridge crane.
MBE 400 2007 low emission engine and after treatment device.
DD Series 60 EGR 2004 emission engine
Diagnostic software and web based service information.
Numerous individual components used in all classes.
Presentation materials from industry.
New digital image projectors and sound systems in all diesel class rooms.
Learning Outcomes:
DS 101:
Shop Procedures and Engine Rebuild is a twelve-credit outcome based class.
This class covers engine theory, engine components, and proper diesel engine rebuild
procedures.
Introduces basic engine electrical and fuel systems, shop tool use and maintenance.
The student learns Shop Practices while working on an engine instead of practice projects
giving them more time on the engine rebuild part of the class.
Some older engine models have been retired from Engine Rebuild to make room for
newer series and configurations. This allows the students to better match their needs with
a modern engine selection along with some older, but still in use engines.
Intended Outcome:
In this class, the student will disassemble, inspect, reassemble, and run an
operative diesel engine to identify how all of the internal systems become a
functional unit.
Gain knowledge of how and why diesel engines work.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
diesel engines.
Learn skills in engine failure diagnoses and practice researching the failure
symptoms in service manuals and other sources to research and diagnose engine
failures
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS102
Truck Power Trains is a six credit, outcome based class.
This class introduces gear transmissions, differentials and clutches involved in the
application of diesel powered vehicles.
Fifteen percent of this class is dedicated to the Electronically Controlled Manual
Transmission (Eaton Auto shift) and Drive Line vibration analysis.
Intended Outcome:
In this class students will disassemble inspect, reassemble and understand the
power flow of a variety of transmissions.
The student will gain knowledge of how and why diesel engine clutches work.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
power trains and their components.
Develop skills in failure diagnosis and researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS103
Fuel Injection Systems is a six credit outcome based class.
This class emphasizes fuel injection systems and how they relate to diesel engine
performance and operation.
Lecture and hands on training are used for instruction
The operation of all major fuel injection devices, including diesel fuels, fuel transfer
pumps, fuel nozzles, fuel injectors, filtration systems, metering systems, and governing
systems will be presented.
The focus of the course is system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Fuel system theory,
engine performance and component identification are stressed.
Intended Outcome:
The student will develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test fuel
injection components and understand the relationship between component
failure and engine operation.
Develop skills in diesel fuel system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS104
Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics is a six credit, outcome based class.
In this class the student will learn the fundamentals of electricity, electrical circuitry and
components.
Intended Outcome:
In this class the student will acquire knowledge of how and why automotive
electricity works.
Learn about the tools and material needed to properly diagnose, repair, and
maintain electrical systems.
Learn to identify and read electrical schematics, diagrams, and drawings.
Develop skills in electrical failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS105
Fundamentals of Hydraulics and Air Conditioning is a six credit, outcome based
class.
Fundamentals of Hydraulics, in theory and shop practice, provide a solid background in
applications of hydraulics in the trucking and heavy equipment industry.
We incorporated air conditioning systems into the curriculum and have all the necessary
tooling and supplies to teach air conditioning, heating and ventilation trouble shooting
and repair.
Included in our hydraulic tooling, is a hydraulic cylinder test bench to aid in teaching
large bore cylinders.
The Eaton Vickers Mobile Hydraulics Manual is the text. Both instructors have
completed factory training from Eaton Vickers and have developed lab activity sheets to
supplement the text.
Intended Outcome:
The student will develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test
hydraulic components and understand the relationship between component
failure and hydraulic system operation.
Develop knowledge of how hydraulic and air conditioning systems operate.
Develop a technical research paper.
Develop skills in hydraulic and air conditioning system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS 106
Engine Diagnostic Tune up is a three credit, outcome based class.
This class includes Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) of vehicles, Department of
Transportation (DOT) Out of Service Criteria, PM scheduling, Lubricants and
Winterizing.
Learn to understand and trouble-shoot the Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC)
system.
The instructor is Detroit Diesel factory trained and ASE certified to train Preventive
Maintenance Inspection and Engine Tune up, as well as Electronic Controls.
Intended Outcome:
Develop knowledge of diesel engine diagnostic tune-up.
Develop knowledge of how to analyze and diagnose diesel engine support
systems.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly analyze and tune up
diesel engines
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
Live Equipment and Lab.
Repair of customer owned (LIVE) equipment under a minimum of supervision.
Departmental approval required.
This course is offered for students who are not seeking a degree or a certificate. The
class was created for those individuals who wish to learn specific skills or complete
specific projects. Often students who own equipment, boats or other diesel-powered
equipment take this class to better familiarize themselves with the systems they will be
using. The course is generally offered as pass no pass.
Intended Outcome:
The out come if this class is variable, depends on what the student wants to
achieve.
DS 202
Heavy Duty Power Train is a six credit, outcome based class.
Advanced theory and application on automatic and power shift transmissions as used in
the heavy equipment industry, specifically Caterpillar, Allison and Clark power train
components.
Study and diagnose the function and problems of various planetary gear sets used in
transmissions, final drives and excavator swing gear reducers.
Mock interviews with industry partners and related training are included in this class.
Intended Outcome:
Disassemble, inspect, reassemble and understand the power flow of a variety of
heavy-duty transmissions used in on and off road automatic and power shift
transmissions.
Knowledge of how torque converters work and where they are used.
Learn about the materials needed to properly repair and maintain heavy-duty
power trains and their components.
Develop skills in failure diagnosis and researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
Develop skills needed to attain employment through a mock employment
interview.
DS 203
Fuel Injection System Diagnosis and Caterpillar Electronic Engine is a six credit,
outcome based class.
Designed to cover diesel fuel injection pumps and their applications, timing advance
mechanisms, governing systems, electronic engine controls and other related items that
affect engine operation and performance.
Fuel injection pumps are still a part of the curriculum but not to the extent of past years.
There is a strong emphasis on complete system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Caterpillar electronics has been expanded due to the high percentage of electronics used
in today’s diesel engines.
Approximately 40% of the course is dedicated to the understanding, troubleshooting and
repair of Caterpillar electronic engines.
Intended Outcome:
Develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test fuel injection pumps
and governors and understand the relationship between component failure and
engine operation.
Develop skills to diagnose, repair and program Caterpillar electronic engines.
Develop skills in diesel fuel injection pump and governor failure diagnosis.
Develop job search skills.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
DS204
Diesel starting and Charging Systems is a six credit, outcome based class.
This course is a “hands on” class with many projects.
In this class the students will overhaul system components and practice live trouble
shooting of heavy duty electrical and systems.
Prerequisite: DS 104
Intended Outcome:
Learn the different components of an automotive electrical system, how they all
work together a unit and how to properly diagnose and repair failures.
Acquire knowledge of how and why electric motors and generators work.
Learn Cummins electronic engine controls and diagnosis.
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
electrical systems.
Develop skills in electrical failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
DS 205
Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics is a six credit, outcome based class.
Covers advanced hydraulics and hydrostatics used on heavy equipment, farm machinery,
marine equipment, hydraulic cranes, back hoes and other equipment.
Emphasizes trouble-shooting
Prerequisite DS 105
Eaton Vickers Mobile Hydraulics Manual is the text. One instructor has completed
factory training from Eaton Vickers.
Bobcat provides a new Bobcat skid steer each year for training of our students. We have
an affiliate agreement with Bobcat in which they provide us with components and
technical information and we provide a site for their training.
We have three used backhoes as well as numerous pumps, valves and cylinders for use in
hands on training.
Develop skills to disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test hydraulic and
hydrostatic components and understand the relationship between component
failure and hydraulic and hydrostatic operation.
Develop knowledge of how hydraulic and hydrostatic systems operate.
Develop skills in hydraulic and hydrostatic system failure diagnosis.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and procedures in all work
areas.
DS 206
Brakes, Suspension and Steering is a nine credit, outcome based class.
In this class, the student gains knowledge of medium duty truck brake systems,
suspension and steering. Covers: air brake systems, hydraulic systems, truck foundation
brakes, anti lock brakes, automatic slack adjusters, wheels, tires and fifth wheels.
Emphasizes safety and the use of service manuals and text books.
The latest ABS systems are included in the class. Including the new PLC (power line
communications) ABS. Another air brake trailer has been added as a teaching aid. Two
updated Sterling trucks from Freightliner have been added with air systems and Bendix
ABS.
Instructor has been to Dealer and Distributor training and is ASE Certified in areas of
instruction.
suspension systems, wheels and tires, and fifth wheels.
Knowledge of how brake and suspension systems work
Learn about the tools and materials needed to properly repair and maintain
brake systems, steering systems, suspension systems, wheels, tires, and fifth
wheels.
Skills in failure diagnosis and practice researching the failure symptoms in
service manuals and other sources, to research and diagnose failures.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all work
areas.
Cooperative Education, Agriculture is a outcome based class.
The class has eleven goals and objectives from which the student can choose. The
purpose of the goals and objectives is to help guide the student though all the CO-OP
classes by defining which skills and type of equipment and system the student will be
learning. Student will be keeping a journal to keep track of progress in meeting the
objectives.
Apply agricultural equipment procedures in a variety of shop situations.
Appraise learned skills by providing a weekly written report.
Become familiar with employer expectations.
Practice personal safety by using protective gear and safe procedures in all
work areas.
Job outlook for our graduates:
Research of our industry has shown that there is a demand for our graduates. An Oregon
Department of Employment survey shows a need for many technicians in the next several
years.
The Diesel Advisory Committee consensus is that they need entry level technicians to fill
retirement openings.
The Oregon Department of Employment also described the retirement of large numbers
of “baby boomers”, with a smaller generation population to replace them. This makes our
graduates even more in demand.
Student Employment and Cooperative Education Specialist
In addition to being the contact person for industry looking for students to hire and
students looking for jobs, this person presents classes and individual training.
Training:
Presentation in the class room on Preparing Student Resumes & Cover Letters and
review then provides feedback on student drafts of their resume, cover letter &
reference sheet assignment.
Presentations on Completing a Job Application, then review and provide feedback on
student’s application assignment.
Presentation on Interview Skills and coordinate Mock Interviews with Employers and
students.
Services:
Assist students one on one with their resume, cover letter,
reference sheets, applications, and job search.
Obtain employment opportunities from employers and on line to
make these available for students and graduates of the program.
These opportunities are posted through both the job board and the
email list serve.
Participate in Diesel Day and Jr/Sr Day and other department
activities.
employment opportunities
The following chart from the Oregon Employment Department gives a statewide
example with comparison with Multnomah, Washington, and Tillamook Counties.
This chart only represents employers listing jobs with the Oregon Employment
Department.
Many employers advertise and conduct their own searches independently of the
Oregon Employment Department, which would increase these numbers.
Internal surveys show that all of our graduates that want jobs are getting them.
Approximately 85% are working in the industry.
A survey of recent graduates shows that after one year, wages range from a low of
$15.01 / $17.00 to a high of $20.00 /$23.00.
With fifty percent in the $17.01 to $20.00 bracket
These reflect a starting wage for our entry level graduates of $ 14.00 to $ 20.00,
more, if the graduate has prior experience or has been working for the company during
school
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
1 0 0
2007 GRADUATES WAGES AFTER ONE YEAR
Enrollment:
Our enrollment has fluctuated somewhat with the economy, when things are going good
and industry can’t get enough workers, our enrollment dips a little, but seems to recover
when industry requires a degree for employees.
Our enrollment goes up during times that are not so good because of retraining displaced
workers.
FTE
88.01
Recruitment:
The program instructors maintain a good relationship with the local high schools by
loaning running diesel engines to their automotive departments and by going, in person,
to the schools and presenting some training. This is helpful in recruiting new students
into the diesel industry and getting them into our program.
We host, in the spring, a High School “Diesel Day”. This brings as many as three to four
hundred students from local high schools into our college to see first hand the training
they will get in our program. Industry participates in this day by providing equipment,
door prizes, and other materials.
We also host, in the fall, a “Junior/Senior Day”.
This format is Industry Partners presenting to the aproximatley one hundred fifty High
School students, in a class room setting, information on their individual companies and
collectively about the Diesel Industry and the opportunities of a career working on their
products.
Scholarships:
There are several scholarships available to students. Northwest Diesel Industry
Council, Cummins Engine Company, The Halton Company and Grainger each have
limited money available to students who apply and qualify.
The Fred Dewitt and Jeff Printze Memorial Scholarship for Excellence is awarded when
funds are available.
There are also Portland Community College Foundation scholarships available for
students.
Special training:
Our program utilizes a Technical Learning Skills Specialist to do advising and to assist
students who need extra help in reading, math, and writing. Also special instruction, such
as resume writing and job interview, is imbedded into the individual core classes and is
covered by a combination of our Student Employment / Cooperative Education Specialist
and Industry volunteers.
Faculty Professional Development
As Instructors in a rapidly changing field, we must try to keep current with our
curriculum.
Faculty attend many organized training sessions, such as Oregon Trucking Association
Conference, North West Diesel Instructors Conference and many other individual factory
and dealer training classes.
Diesel Service Technology Industry involvement:
As always, the Instructors are keeping close ties to industry in order to keep our program
up date and as close to industry requirements as possible. This is accomplished by
utilizing an Industry Advisory Committee and going to industry training sessions
concerning the diesel industry, especially the topics they teach.
Some examples are Eaton Vickers Hydraulic Factory Training, Electronic Engine and
Transmission Factory Classes. Also, each year, the Instructors attend a “Diesel
Instructors Conference” where industry trainers present the latest products, service
techniques, and training aids.
The Diesel Service Technology program has both formal and informal agreements
with local dealerships and local and non-local manufactures.
We are one of thirteen colleges in North America who has an affiliation agreement with
Bobcat of America. In this agreement, we provide a training site for level III courses and
provide an instructor for Level I and Level II courses. As part of this agreement, Bobcat
provides us with service literature; components, software, technical support and a new
skid steer each year. We also have the opportunity to attend training at their corporate
site in North Dakota.
We were instrumental in organizing and are charter members of the Northwest Diesel
Industry Council (NDIC). This is an organization made up of industry, private people
and colleges, with a focus on supporting diesel programs with recruitment and the
acquisition of training equipment.
The Diesel Service Technology program has developed relationships with many other
dealers and manufacturers. They provide us with free training, scholarships, technical
support, training materials, product specific software and equipment. Some of these
companies include: Freightliner, Pacific Power Products, Detroit Diesel Engine
Corporation, The Halton Company, Caterpillar Corporation, Anderson Brothers Truck
Parts, Cummins Northwest, Cummins Engine Company, Equipment Maintenance
Council, Oregon Trucking Association, Eaton Vickers, Hillsboro Diesel, Snap-on
Corporation, Napa Auto parts, Fluid Power Connectors and Parker Hannifin, to name a
few.
Many other companies help us in any way they can, and as a whole, we receive
tremendous industry support.
Articulation Agreement with four year program: Bachelor Degree:
During the last several years, an agreement with Oregon Institute of Technology,
Portland Campus has been in the works to implement a bachelor degree allowing the
graduates of diesel and other technical programs, with associate degrees from PCC, to
continue on and receive a degree in “Operations Management”. The new program will
make our Diesel Program more valuable to our prospective, current, and former students
and unique in the northwest.
Over all, the diesel program is right on track with curriculum and industry needs and
through ongoing review and improvements, we will continue to maintain the excellence
of our program.