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Diesel Technology

Chemeketa Brooks’ access to Interstate 5 and the agriculturally-rich Willamette Valley makes it a prime place to train for a career in diesel technology.

topics Trades

Skills & InterestWorking with your hands

CareersTechnology

  • Two students posting with an orange Kubota backhoe. There is freshly dug ground near the bucket of the backhoe, indicating the students have been operating it.
  • A shot inside the diesel lab. A truck is sitting on the lift. Two students are working at tables, while one student at the right is working on a laptop next to a diesel engine.
  • A green John Deere tractor is parked inside the diesel lab. Diagnostics practice stations are visible on the left side.

Why choose Diesel Technology?

  • High-Demand Careers: With many technicians nearing retirement, the need for skilled diesel mechanics is growing rapidly.
  • Family-Wage Jobs: Our graduates are job-ready for positions offering excellent pay and benefits.
  • Career Advancement: A wide range of opportunities exist in agriculture, transportation, and equipment maintenance sectors.
  • Hands-On Training: Learn by doing — with real-world internship experience and access to industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Limited Enrollment: Apply early to secure your spot in this high-demand program.

The Diesel Technology program is limited enrollment with an annual application deadline. Check the Apply Now section for upcoming cohort dates and requirements.

What will you learn?

You’ll gain practical and academic training on diesel equipment used in:

  • Agricultural machinery
  • On-highway: Diesel powered trucks, buses, and other vehicles on public roads
  • Off-highway: Includes material handling and power equipment machinery

A Chemeketa Diesel student with blue hair is working on the engine of a large truck. They are wearing a black shirt with a logo on the chest and dark pants. The truck's hood is open, and the person is using a tool on the engine. The truck is red and silver with large tires. The scene appears to be in a garage or workshop with other vehicles and equipment in the background.Core skill areas you will learn in the program include:

  • Diesel engines
  • Hydraulics
  • Fuel systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Transmissions
  • Suspension & steering
  • HVAC systems
  • Heavy-duty brake systems
  • Advanced engine diagnostics
  • Safety standards
  • Tool use & equipment handling

See Course Sequences for more information.

Program Outcomes

After completing our program, you will be able to:

  • Apply safety protocols in a diesel shop environment.
  • Perform calculations using industry-relevant math formulas.
  • Diagnose systems using factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools.
  • Troubleshoot and repair diesel systems including fuel, brake, powertrain, hydraulics, and electronics.
  • Complete testing, disassembly, failure analysis, and reassembly of components.

What will you do?

After you graduate our program you will be prepared for entry-level positions as a diesel technician, working on:

  • Agricultural equipment
  • Semi-trucks and freightliners
  • Generators and stationary power equipment

Job Market Snapshot (Oregon)

  • 198 current diesel tech openings
  • 27 local jobs in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties
  • 4.4% projected job growth through 2032
  • Total Annual Openings: 127

(Source: Oregon Employment Department)

Industry Certifications & Partnerships

Chemeketa's Diesel Technology program offers you the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications and train directly with manufacturer-supported programs, giving you a competitive edge in today's job market.

Learn More

View the full Course Sequence and program guide for detailed curriculum, course descriptions, and internship opportunities.

Ready to apply or have questions? Contact Us or visit Chemeketa Brooks for a tour of our diesel labs.