Welcome
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall and Spring
Length: 2 semesters, 1 summer
Award: Diploma
Program Guide: Diesel Mechanics
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
The Diesel Mechanics program of study equips students with necessary skills to become entry-level diesel mechanics. It emphasizes the maintenance of over-the-road diesel trucks. Students receive instruction through a combination of theory classes and practical experience. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.
Diesel mechanics repair and maintain equipment powered by diesel engines such as, heavy trucks, buses, construction and farm equipment, and locomotives. Our program emphasizes all phases of the diesel truck, including engines, transmissions, drive axles and most importantly, the electronic system. With your diploma from Iowa Western, you will be able to enter directly into the work force in entry-level positions.
A feature of this program is that graduates may also enter other diesel related occupations with the knowledge and skills that are attained in this program of study. A few of those areas are:
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Marine propulsion applications
- Electrical power generation
- Automotive (light truck/auto)
- Industrial (irrigation, power take off applications)
- Logging, mining, oil exploration, airport service vehicles, and railroad
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diesel service technicians held about 270,000 jobs, while heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians held about 178,000 jobs nationwide in 2004. The job market is expected to grow between 9 and 17% during the next 10 years. The median average wage in 2004 was $17.20 per hour.
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Scholarship Information
Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
The Facility
The Diesel program is located in recently renovated Dodge Hall. Bright, spacious, well-equipped diesel classrooms, labs, and shop facilities greatly enhance the student's learning experience. Dodge Hall also features a 70-seat auditorium, computer lab, and cutting edge technology in its many spacious program-specific and general purpose classrooms and laboratories.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring any of my own tools to the program?
No. Iowa Western furnishes all required tools to complete the program of study and students will be able to purchase tools for work at a substantial discount.
Come see Diesel Mechanics for yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Diesel Mechanics at Iowa Western by scheduling a visit.
Clint Meyer, Program Chair
Diesel Technology
Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Office (712) 325-3369
Toll Free 800-432-5852 ext. 3369
email: cmeyer@iwcc.edu