News Article:
By: Norah Fleming Indepth Writer 2/19/23 Grease-covered arms and grimy nails become the norm as diesel tech students face some of the gnarliest parts of engines and prepare for their future careers. The diesel tech program allows students to pursue a career in related fields, by learning the basics of diesel engines and building ties to future employers.
For Senior Kaden Carlson, the diesel tech program has left a lasting impact by simply offering experience. “The diesel tech program is something that helps kids figure out what they would like to do in a career field like diesel tech. That is kind of what I did and I even got a job opportunity,” Carlson states. Many students, like Carlson, also received amazing opportunities, like jobs or scholarships right out of high school. Carlson received a full ride John Deere Forestry and Construction Equipment scholarship to Southeast Community College in Milford, NE and a full time summer job. For Senior Spencer Ridgeway the diesel tech program gives another opportunity to pursue what is out there for diesel related fields and offers an “outside perspective” to the inner workings of what all the program entails. “I’ve been impacted heavily because I knew I wanted to do something with vehicles but I didn’t know exactly what. It kind of pushed me more towards the diesel side of things. I also have a job with Inland right after high school, so over the summer I can go work with them and again after schooling.” Ridgeway explains. Ridgeway, who works with Inland, an auto and auto parts company, has his morning internship from first to third period, showing up at 7:00 AM and leaving only at 10:30 AM. |
Much like Ridgeway, Carlson has also built up a relationship with the company he interns for. This summer, he will work for Murphy Tractor before he heads off for schooling. As Carlson receives credit for high school, he also learns information for the future and gains real life experience.
“Some real life experiences we learn are how to properly use tools, clean up, assemble and disassemble things,” Carlson says. While many believe that Diesel Tech is only Agriculture related, Carlson disagrees. “Diesel Tech is not just Ag, it is construction, moving heavy equipment to build things, working with pickups and moving everything, from boxes of eggs to generators, power and even nuclear waste.” Carlson describes. Though it is just in its initial phases, the Diesel Tech program has begun to prove how beneficial it is. Many students have realized and are learning how valuable it is through networking or getting into the nitty gritty parts of an engine. Receiving scholarships, real world experiences, and a taste of the work environment these students represent the future of diesel tech. |