Danville Community College is addressing local workforce needs by launching a new diesel repair and maintenance program in partnership with local businesses.
The six-month program, which costs approximately $2,500, trains students to diagnose and repair large diesel trucks. The only prerequisite is a high school diploma.
Jessica Dalton, Vice President of Workforce Services at Danville Community College, said this all began when First Piedmont, a water removal service in Danville, reached out to them for help.
“We help build curriculum, we help training platforms and programs to reach…local industry,” Dalton said.
First Piedmont is among the businesses committed to hiring graduates from the program. Nick Setliff, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of First Piedmont, emphasized the urgent need for diesel technicians in the community.
“I think it’s a win-win for everyone,” said Setliff. “Students are going to know that there’s a path to a job when they complete it. And it’s not just us, we did a survey with all the local truck haulers and maintenance shops, and everyone has a need for diesel mechanics right now. So it’s not just us that’s winning, it’s the whole area.”
The program, which accommodates 20 students, runs twice a year in July and January.
Setliff noted that students will have the opportunity to intern part-time while enrolled. Upon completion, starting wages for diesel mechanics are in the low $20 per hour range, he said.