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Diesel Technology

Chemeketa Brooks’ access to Interstate 5 and the agriculturally-rich Willamette Valley makes it a prime place to train for a career in diesel technology.

topics Trades

Skills & InterestWorking with your hands

CareersTechnology

  • diesel engine
  • powered by diesel
  • Brooks training center

Why choose Diesel Technology?

  • High-Demand Careers: With many technicians nearing retirement, the need for skilled diesel mechanics is growing rapidly.
  • Family-Wage Jobs: Our graduates are job-ready for positions offering excellent pay and benefits.
  • Career Advancement: A wide range of opportunities exist in agriculture, transportation, and equipment maintenance sectors.
  • Hands-On Training: Learn by doing — with real-world internship experience and access to industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Limited Enrollment: Apply early to secure your spot in this high-demand program.

The Diesel Technology program is limited enrollment with an annual application deadline. Check the Apply Now section for upcoming cohort dates and requirements.

What will you learn?

You’ll gain practical and academic training on diesel equipment used in:

  • Agricultural machinery
  • On-highway trucks (semi-trucks, buses, emergency service vehicles)
  • Off-highway and construction equipment

A Chemeketa Diesel student with blue hair is working on the engine of a large truck. They are wearing a black shirt with a logo on the chest and dark pants. The truck's hood is open, and the person is using a tool on the engine. The truck is red and silver with large tires. The scene appears to be in a garage or workshop with other vehicles and equipment in the background.Core skill areas you will learn in the program include:

  • Diesel engines
  • Hydraulics
  • Fuel systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Transmissions
  • Suspension & steering
  • HVAC systems
  • Heavy-duty brake systems
  • Advanced engine diagnostics
  • Safety standards
  • Tool use & equipment handling

See Course Sequences for more information.

Program Outcomes

After completing our program, you will be able to:

  • Apply safety protocols in a diesel shop environment.
  • Perform calculations using industry-relevant math formulas.
  • Diagnose systems using factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools.
  • Troubleshoot and repair diesel systems including fuel, brake, powertrain, hydraulics, and electronics.
  • Complete testing, disassembly, failure analysis, and reassembly of components.

What will you do?

After you graduate our program you will be prepared for entry-level positions as a diesel technician, working on:

  • Agricultural equipment
  • Semi-trucks and freightliners
  • Generators and stationary power equipment

Job Market Snapshot (Oregon)

  • 198 current diesel tech openings
  • 27 local jobs in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties
  • 4.4% projected job growth through 2032
  • Total Annual Openings: 127

(Source: Oregon Employment Department)

Industry Certifications & Partnerships

Chemeketa's Diesel Technology program offers you the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications and train directly with manufacturer-supported programs, giving you a competitive edge in today's job market.

  • Kubota TECH Program

    The Kubota Tech logo, with the word Kubota in black and the word Tech in orange.Kubota TECH offers training on real Kubota equipment and systems, including:

    • Access to online Kubota factory curriculum
    • Hands-on learning with certified trainers
    • Career pathways at Kubota dealerships

    Chemeketa is the only school in Oregon west of the Cascades offering Kubota TECH. Additional information is available at the Kubota TECH website.

    A Chemeketa Diesel Technology student with blue hair is in the garage lab surrounded by Kubota equipment. She is leaning against the tailgate of a four-wheel buggy.A man is giving documents to a Chemeketa Diesel Technology student in front of Kubota branded equipment. The two are shaking hands. The implication is the man is giving the student paperwork to start a job after their completion of the Diesel Technology program.

  • AGCO NexTech

    Train on equipment from AGCO's family of agricultural brands such as Massey Ferguson and Fendt. Benefits include:

    • Manufacturer-specific technical training
    • Strong employer partnerships
    • Access to AGCO diagnostic platforms

    Chemeketa is the only college in the state of Oregon offering the AGCO NexTECH program. Additional information on AGCO NexTECH is available on the official program website.

    A Massey Ferguson tractor is towing another piece of Massey Ferguson equipment in an agricultural field.

  • Daimler Get Ahead Program

    Through Freightliner and Western Star, this program offers:

    • Free access to Daimler's online training modules
    • Training aligned with heavy truck service careers
    • Internship and employment networking with Daimler service centers

    More information on Daimler Get Ahead is available on the program website.

    The logo of the Daimler Get Ahead program above the logos of the Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit brands.A front shot of the Chemeketa Diesel Technology programs Freightliner Diesel semitruck in the garage lab. The top half of the truck is painted red, the bottom half is painted light gray.

Learn More

View the full Course Sequence and program guide for detailed curriculum, course descriptions, and internship opportunities.

Ready to apply or have questions? Contact Us or visit Chemeketa Brooks for a tour of our diesel labs.