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Students receive hands-on training in the new Diesel Maintenance Technician certificate program at Pensacola State College.
New program to address the needs of local employers in transportation and maritime industries
The new Diesel Maintenance Technician certificate program at Pensacola State College is up and running. The inaugural class began in January, and registration is open for students wanting to start this summer. Supported by a 2024 Triumph Gulf Coast grant, the program provides technology skills training for industry certification at PSC’s Commercial Driver Training facility in Milton.
The 600-clock-hour certificate program emphasizes hands-on training and theory, giving students a full understanding of employability skills, safety and organization. At the end of their studies, students will sit for entry-level certification exams from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
“Earning an ASE certificate in PSC’s Diesel Maintenance Technician program means you are prepared for entry-level jobs in the high-wage diesel service industry, holding industry-recognized credentials,” said PSC Dean of Workforce Education Mike Listau. “The certification is designed for students, so no prior work experience is required.”
In 2024, Triumph Gulf Coast awarded PSC with a $7.6 million grant that will help build a 12,900-square-foot teaching-and-training facility and help cover the equipment, technology, tools, personnel and other costs of starting the program.
At the current facility, located in the Santa Rosa Industrial Park East, PSC offers Class A and Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) training and testing through its Commercial Vehicle Driving certificate program.
“Adding diesel mechanic training at the truck driving facility, where students have the opportunity to work on vehicles from the CDL training program, is part of an overall plan for addressing the needs of local employers and increasing career opportunities for local residents interested in entering these technical fields,” said Listau. “We are also expanding diesel training into marine mechanics to broaden career pathways and better meet local workforce demands in our region’s growing transportation and maritime industries.”
“Due to the national shortage of truck drivers, almost all of our CDL students have jobs waiting for them upon program completion,” added Listau. “We anticipate demand to be high for our diesel mechanics and marine mechanics, as well, so we’re incredibly happy about bringing this new training to the college’s service area.”
More information is available at pensacolastate.edu or by calling (850) 484-2544.