(ABILENE, Texas) – As heavy equipment and commercial trucks continue to move along the highways of West Texas, the need for skilled diesel technicians is accelerating.
To help meet this demand, Texas State Technical College will expand its Diesel Equipment Technology program to its newest facility, the Power and Mechanical Center, currently under construction on Quantum Loop in Abilene. The program is set to launch this fall.
“We’re constantly looking for qualified individuals to service heavy equipment,” said Eli Mize, operations manager at Republic Services. “Many seasoned professionals in this field are nearing retirement, so preparing the next generation is critical.”
According to onetonline.org, the number of jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Texas is projected to grow to more than 31,000 by 2030. The website reports an average annual salary of $56,780 for diesel technicians in Texas, with technicians in the Abilene region earning as much as $74,940.
Industry leaders in the region welcome the program’s expansion, citing proximity, talent development and opportunities for partnerships.
“This is a tremendous asset for Abilene,” said Johnny Faughn, training and recruiting specialist at Warren CAT. “Having the program nearby may open doors for an internship pipeline.”
Faughn, who has previously hired TSTC graduates, praised the quality of the graduates’ preparation.
“Like most companies, we provide additional training, but TSTC graduates consistently come to us well prepared,” he said.
Walt Fisher, service manager at Lonestar Truck Group in Abilene, noted the complementary relationship between TSTC’s Abilene and Sweetwater campuses.
“Sweetwater attracts students aiming for oil field careers,” he said. “Abilene will bring in more local talent and broaden awareness of the diesel maintenance industry. Together, they offer a diverse view of the field.”
Justin Kitchens, a field service manager at Crown Lift Trucking, emphasized the career readiness of TSTC students.
“TSTC graduates are industry focused and bring a strong skills foundation to the job,” he said. “That gives them an edge when we’re looking to hire.”
TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program is also available at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Depending on location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with various specializations, along with several certificate options.
Registration for TSTC’s summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
