(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Working on diesel engines has been a passion for Kyler Walls.
The Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment instructor has one goal for his first-semester students.
“This semester we are teaching them the basics,” Walls said while watching the students work in the engine lab. “I want to instill in all of our students the passion I have for working on diesel engines.”
Walls knows that he is teaching the next generation of diesel equipment technicians, no matter if it is on big rigs or oil field equipment.
“This first semester group is a good class that is eager to learn,” he said.
The need for diesel engine specialists is expected to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032, according to onetonline.org. The good news for the students is many of the salaries in West Texas are higher than the state’s median annual average of $57,870.
In the Permian Basin, a diesel engine specialist’s average median salary is $60,460 in Midland and $58,840 in Odessa. The average salary for such jobs in Abilene is $58,510, according to the website’s data.
The first-semester students did not waste time getting in one of the labs to work on engines.
“I am a very hands-on learner,” said Jace Greer, of Cleburne. “Mr. Watts will show us something, then put it back together and then make us do it. He will be watching us the entire time.”
Walls has instilled discipline in his students to make sure they know each assignment.
“The classes are a lot of fun,” said Levi Coleman, of Briscoe. “The instructors are awesome. We talk after class just like we are friends.”
Both students were drawn to the program by different people.
Greer said a high school teacher told him about the program. He said that working on engines during the first semester was something he wanted to do.
“I like to tear things down and put them back together,” he said.
Coleman had a cousin complete the program and learned about the many job opportunities.
“My cousin is making good money and I know that is what is waiting for me when I complete the program,” he said.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.