As emission regulations for off-highway diesel engines in the heavy equipment industry become increasingly challenging, the Deutz Corp. has contributed seven diesel engines to Gwinnett Technical College’s Heavy Diesel Service Technician program.
The Gwinnett Tech program educates students on both theory and diagnosis of the basic diesel engine systems found in heavy equipment, safety and fuel systems.
Robert Mann, Deutz Corp.’s president and CEO, said in a June 6 news release that the industry is suffering from a lack of well-trained technicians. “Off-highway diesel engine emission regulations have become increasingly stringent, necessitating the use of electrical controls and exhaust after treatment systems. As a result diesel engine technicians need additional in-depth training.”
According to the release, some 40 students who begin the program in August will have a full academic year to obtain their certificates from the college. Even the program’s instructor, who already has an extensive diesel engine background, will periodically return to the Deutz Corp. for additional training to ensure that the students acquire state-of-the art skills.
Gail Edwards, dean of automotive and trades at Gwinnett Tech, said that the program is tied to internships at a local diesel equipment repair facility, guaranteeing jobs for the program’s graduates.
Deutz Corp. plans to monitor the progress of a few of the students in the program to see how the new equipment and training have prepared them for their careers. If the program is successful, according to the release, Deutz will roll it out to other technical schools across the country.
Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest provider of corporate training and also serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County.
Norcross-based Deutz Corp. is a subsidiary of Deutz AG which has operations in America, Europe and Asia with its headquarters in the Cologne district of Germany. Its founding dates back to 1864 and manufactures a wide range of 30- to 700-hp diesel and natural gas engines.
To learn more about Gwinnett Tech’s Heavy Diesel Service Technician program, call 404 679-4500 or visit www.GwinnettTech.edu
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