Diesel Technology

Looking for a hands-on diesel mechanic education? In less than a year, you could train to be a diesel technician with our certificate or earn your associates degree. It all starts at Butler. Learn from experts on how to diagnose, repair, and replace like a true big engine professional. From here, you can move on to specialized advanced training on trucks and engines from leading brands.

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE AND LEARN THIS HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER TRADE.

By the request of industry, Butler is now offering a nine-month certificate and a two-year degree program with internships to gain real-world experience . This program will be housed at Butler of El Dorado in a newly renovated area fit for the learning needs of Diesel Technology. At Butler, we provide hands-on training on real diesel machines giving you industry-recognized experience.  

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Diesel Mechanics is in high demand. That means jobs are open and skilled workers are valuable. We work with employers who need you to complete this degree!

Estimated Tuition for Diesel Technology: $8,850**

**This includes two years of tuition and student fees based on being a Kansas Resident and taking 65 credit hours. Registration fee of $15 each semester not included. Technology Access Charge not included. Housing and meal plans not included. Fees may vary depending on specific electives.

“It is not hyperbolic to say that the difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled, professional heavy equipment technicians is likely the single greatest challenge facing heavy equipment divisions across the country. It is an issue that effects everyone from Fortune 500 companies to mom & pop construction companies. Therefore, I am confident in saying that our support for this program will be shared by companies like us across the state.”

Roger McClellan, President of Wildcat Construction

We are grateful to our industry partners for helping Butler bring this needed workforce training to the region: Foley Industries, Jets Diesel, Truck Center Companies, Wildcat Construction, and more! 

This diesel technology curriculum will prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial, industrial vehicles, and will cover a wide range of critical topics in the diesel maintenance industry like: 

• Diesel Engine Mechanics  

• Suspensions and steering 

• Brake system 

• Electrical and electronic systems 

• Preventative maintenance inspections 

• Drive trains 

• Gasoline engine mechanics

• Auxiliary equipment installation and repair 

PROJECTIONS FOR AVAILABLE JOBS WITH THIS DEGREE 

According to The Department of Labor Kansas Occupational Projections from 2016 –2026, KDOL projects 94 annual job openings statewide for Diesel Mechanic Workers. Breaking the projection down by region,16 of these annual job openings are projected for South Central Kansas with an annual mean wage of $41,340 , while 5 annual openings are projected for Southeast Kansas with an annual mean wage of $41,340. 

REQUESTED BY INDUSTRY, DELIVERED BY BUTLER 

Meet Butler's Diesel Technology Advisory Board. These industry professionals support and advise the dean, faculty, and staff on developing the strongest curriculum so our graduates are highly competent and skilled professionals ready for the workforce. 

• Chair: Anthony Dahl, Foley Tractor 
• Vice-Chair: Jesse Newman, Jets Diesel 
• Secretary: Conner Sherwood, Wildcat Construction 
• Dr. Tim Dell, Pittsburg State University 
• Symba Newman, Jets Diesel 
• Dave Black, Freightliner, Truck Center Companies-Wichita 
• Jeff Smarsh, Foley Tractor 
• Mark Jaye, Automotive Technology Lead Instructor, Butler Community College

INTERESTED? 

Sign up today for periodic updates on our Diesel Technology program.