Diesel Technology A.A.S. and Diesel Technician Certificate Programs
School of Natural Resources Management
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Rm. 105 · (570) 320-8038
Testimonials
is working as a diesel mechanic at Browning Ferris Industries (BFI), an internationally recognized waste management company. She is performing preventive maintenance on more than 90 trucks at BFI’s facility in Telford, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia.
Smith was interested in pursuing the diesel technology field when she “heard it was a pretty good money-making job.” Although the sole female in her major, she says she truly enjoyed her time at Penn College. “The instructors were great, the students were great…I was real pleased,” she comments, adding, “At Penn College, the thing I liked most was they stressed a lot about working as a team, and that played an important part because if you don’t work as a team things don’t get done."
Now in the field, Smith is the only woman in her shop, but notes that her co-workers are all “considerate and respectful.”
When entering a nontraditional field, this diesel mechanic recommends going into the situation by separating yourself from any thoughts of gender. “Don’t consider female or male. They’re just people like you. It seems to go a lot smoother that way.”
"Penn College was a logical choice for me – one look at the facility and I was hooked. I don’t think I could have gotten this far in this industry without the skills and degree I earned at Penn College.
There are so many things that Penn College has taught me – everything from a good education to finding out there is life beyond New York. But I value most the education. The diesel professors over at the Earth Science Center really know their stuff! I use what they taught me every day. I was very surprised to see how much attention to detail I retained in my work habits today that were instilled upon me when at Penn College. At school I was taught to get it done right the first time."
"Penn College has helped me realize my dream and widen my horizon. Now that I have completed my associate degree in Diesel Technology, the professors have encouraged me to continue my education by earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management."
"I enjoyed taking classes at Penn College. The instructors were great when it came to one-on-one assistance. The trucks and engines in the lab were all of the latest technology. I feel my education really prepared me for working in the diesel field."
"Being a service engineer for Mack requires extensive technical knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics and heavy truck operations. The hands-on training I received at Penn College gave me the background necessary to pursue my profession and has greatly benefited my career."