Diesel Equipment Technology wins NCPN award

Co-Lin’s Wesson Campus Diesel Equipment Technology Program was recently named the first place winner for the National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Career Pathways Partnership Excellence Award. The Excellence Award emphasizes the importance of career guidance and advising, professional development for educators and employers, and the employer role in providing work-based learning opportunities for students. Award nominees are scored on employer engagement, curriculum, counseling, and program outcomes.

“Strong relationships with local business and industry are vital to the success of our programs and students,” said Brent Duguid, Dean of Career, Technical and Workforce Education. “We’re honored that our Diesel Equipment program has been recognized for their work in building partnerships to benefit the college and our diesel students.”

The Diesel Equipment Technology program, directed by Steve Esch, is a two-year instructional program that trains students to maintain and repair a variety of industrial equipment, including agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. Students receive instruction in inspection, repair, and maintenance of engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, and other components through hands-on experience and cooperative learning opportunities.

Co-Lin offers the Diesel Equipment program on both the Wesson and Natchez campuses. The program boasts a 100 percent student completion rate and 98 percent job placement rate. Over the last 50 years, the program has cultivated valuable relationships with business and industry leaders in Southwest Mississippi to ensure students are adequately prepared to enter the workforce as a skilled employee. Partnerships with companies like Empire Trucking, Puckett Machinery, Waters International Trucks Inc., and Wal-Mart Trucking have not only provided internship and employment opportunities, but also student scholarships. 

CUTLINE: Wesson Campus Diesel Equipment Technology Program Coordinator/Instructor Steven Esch is pictured in the diesel equipment lab. Photo by Scarlett Hart.