This content was published: April 19, 2016. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Organizers of Rock Creek’s Diesel Day expect big crowd
Photos and story by Janis Nichols
More than 400 students from Washington and Columbia Counties will spend May 6 at the?Rock Creek Campus finding out what it takes to become a diesel technician, a job that’s becoming harder and harder to fill due to a lack of skilled workers.
“Diesel technicians are retiring faster than new workers can be trained and that leaves heavy equipment and heavy-duty truck companies in a bind,” said Russ Dunnington, Rock Creek Diesel Technology instructor. ?“Once certified, our students do very well in this market. Because they change frequently, diesel technicians are required to keep pace with fuel and environmental standards as well as the new computer technology that makes these vehicles more efficient and environmentally friendly.”
For the event, Diesel Technology students become trainers for the day and high school students get to experience hands-on what PCC students do on a daily basis. There are trouble shooting sessions involving air conditioning, brake systems and electrical systems. Students will also network with heavy equipment and heavy-duty truck company representatives from throughout the region and take a turn driving the Bobcat. Door prizes and free lunch are also part of the event.
The event takes place in Building 2, Room 117, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested students should contact their high school for details or contact Russ Dunnington at 971-722-7488 or rdunning@pcc.edu.
Students who wish to compete in the valve cover races should contact Trace Phillis at (971) 722-7487, or trace.phillis@pcc.edu.