Diesel Mechanic
Technology
Rev up your career!
Ready to work with powerful machines and start a rewarding career? Southwestern launched a Diesel Mechanic Technology Program in Fall 2025, providing hands-on training needed for students to succeed in the diesel repair industry.
Our comprehensive 2-year curriculum covers essential engine and truck maintenance and repair, ensuring you develop the skills employers are looking for. You’ll be ready to tackle challenges in a variety of industries, including trucking, maritime, fleet management, agriculture and forestry. Students who complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Mechanic Technology.
Diesel mechanics are in high demand, which can lead to steady work and great pay. Skip the office—get to work doing what you love!
More news about this exciting program:
- Southwestern Launches Diesel Mechanic Program to fill workforce gap
- New Diesel Program at SWOCC rolls out this fall
- Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board's (SOWIB's) $100,000 investment to kickstart our new Diesel Mechanic Technology program
- Mogan Foundation Grant Powers Diesel Technology Training at Southwestern
Our Fall 2026 cohort is currently full!
Fall 2027 is the next available start date. Check back soon for information about how to apply. This competitive program has limited seats. Read the details below and the steps to apply to begin your journey in Diesel Mechanic Technology.
Need a place to live while you train?
We offer on-campus student housing just a short walk from your classes. Learn more about living in our apartment-style housing on the Coos Campus!
Student Housing Info
Enroll now! We'll walk you through everything you need to know to become a student.
Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
Come see why Southwestern Oregon Community College is a great place to learn.
CONTACT
General Program Info
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Specific Program Info
Terry Cheyne
Diesel Mechanic Technology Instructor
Office: Sitkum Hall, 2D
Phone: 541-888-7242
Email
Need a place to live while you train?
We offer on-campus student housing just a short walk from your classes. Learn more about living in our apartment-style housing on the Coos Campus!
Student Housing Info
GRIT MEETS OPPORTUNITY
Modern-equipped lab
Many jobs locally and statewide
Average hourly wage $26.88
WHAT TO EXPECT
Get ready to train like you're already on the job. Here's what you can expect as a Diesel Mechanic Technology student at Southwestern:
-
Real-World Shop Experience
Get your hands dirty working on real equipment—both in the shop and outside. This is hands-on training that mirrors what you’ll see in the field. -
Full-Time Commitment
Diesel classes take place 4+ days a week, with 6–7 hours of instruction and lab time per day for two years over Fall, Winter and Spring Terms. Additional academic courses are also required to complete your degree. -
Basic Safety Equipment Required
First-year students will need to purchase essential safety gear like goggles and proper footwear. A full list will be available through the Campus Store. -
Uniforms Provided
Students are expected to wear program-provided uniforms during class—just like in a real shop environment.
Think you have what it takes? The ideal student is passionate about the diesel industry, shows up on time, stays ready to learn, and brings a strong work ethic every day. If you’re committed to hands-on learning and ready to take this seriously, this program is for you.
JOBS & WAGES
20 Annual Openings on the South Coast
$39,000 is the entry-level yearly wage
$56,000 is the average yearly wage
7.2% Expected Job Growth in Oregon in the next 10 years
Source: Oregon Employment Department
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Diesel Mechanic Technology Instructor
Terry Cheyne
If you’ve worked in trucking or commercial fishing on Oregon’s South Coast, you may know Terry Cheyne—or his waterfront mechanic shop in Coos Bay. With more than 35 years in diesel repair, trucking, and business management, Terry now brings his hands-on expertise to SWOCC’s new Diesel Mechanic Technology program.
A Marshfield High School graduate, Terry earned his diesel technology certificate from Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix. He’s worked across industries—from logging and agriculture to corporate fleet operations—eventually managing repair shop teams across the U.S. In 2016, he returned home to start Cheyne’s Truck & Marine, a local business that continues to grow.
“I learned a lot from hard knocks,” Terry says. “I plan to structure this program like a job all the way through graduation. Students will learn all aspects of the business, not just turning wrenches.”
Terry designed the program to reflect real industry expectations and meet a growing need for skilled mechanics.
“Many trade schools offer training as a moneymaker, but there’s no heart in their programs or focus to making a person a well-rounded employee,” he says.
His goal? Train reliable technicians, give students solid job skills, and help fill a workforce gap that’s been building for years.
EXPLORE YOUR CLASSES
Want to know the specific courses you’ll study in the Diesel Mechanic Technology program? Check out the full list in our academic catalog.
SCHOLARSHIPS & SUPPORT
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- SWOCC Foundation Scholarships - Apply annually Jan. 1 - Mar. 1! One application, multiple scholarships
- STEP (SNAP Training & Employment Program) and Basic Needs - Additional support service for students receiving SNAP benefits
Diesel Mechanic Technology Timeline
Your Diesel Journey: From Application to Graduation
The timeline below highlights key dates and milestones you'll encounter, from applying to the program to graduation.
APPLY TO PROGRAM
October - March
APPLY TO PROGRAM:October - March
Mid-October
Applications available for the next Fall Diesel Mechanic Technology class.
March 1
Application deadline. SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION BY MARCH 1!
Mid-March
Selected applicants are invited to continue to the in-person interview stage of the application process. All applicants will be notified of their status.
PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE
April - August
PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE:April - August
April 1
Applicants are notified of their admission status for the upcoming Fall class.
May - August
Meet with your advisor, complete any final enrollment and financial aid steps, and register for classes.
START YEAR 1
September - June
START YEAR 1: September - June
Fall, Winter & Spring Terms
Begin the first year of this two-year, full-time program. Students attend classes in-person during Fall, Winter and Spring terms on the Coos Campus.
Note: There are no Diesel Mechanic Technology program course requirements during Summer term (June - August).
START YEAR 2
September - June
START YEAR 2: September - June
Fall, Winter & Spring Terms
Continue into your second and final year of advanced Diesel Mechanic Technology program training. Students attend classes in-person during Fall, Winter and Spring terms on the Coos Campus.
GRADUATE
June
GRADUATE: June
Diesel Mechanic Technology, Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Upon successful completion of the program, earn your AAS in Diesel Mechanic Technology and graduate prepared for a career in the diesel industry.
STEPS TO APPLY
DIESEL MECHANIC TECHNOLOGY IS A LIMITED-ENTRY PROGRAM.
OUR FALL 2026 COHORT IS CURRENTLY FULL. Check back here soon for updates about how to apply for a Fall 2027 start.
Q's? Email charline.meyer@socc.edu or call 541-888-1545.
Become a Southwestern Student
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
New to Southwestern? If you are new to Southwestern and/or have not completed credit courses at Southwestern within the past year, COMPLETE THE FIRST TWO ITEMS on the “Steps to Student Enrollment” located on the Become a Student page.
High School "College Now" student? If you are a dual-credit or expanded options student, follow the above instructions for "New to Southwestern."
Already a student? If you’ve taken credit classes at Southwestern within the last year, SKIP AHEAD TO STEP #2. Just make sure you can log into myLakerLink using your Student ID # and password. Trouble logging in or resetting your password? Visit the Help Desk Portal for step-by-step instructions.
IMPORTANT:
- This process can take up to 5 days, so plan accordingly!
- You must complete the first two steps listed on the Become a Student page; however, meeting with an advisor isn’t necessary to apply to the Diesel Mechanic Program.
- Near the end of the form, when prompted to select "Planned Course of Study," select "AAS Diesel Technology".
Apply to Program
***OUR FALL 2026 COHORT IS CURRENTLY FULL. Check back soon for updates about how to apply for a Fall 2027 start.***
DUE DATE: Submit your specific Diesel Mechanic Technology Program application by MAY 14, 2026 (at 11:59 p.m.), for the Fall 2026 start.
To submit your Diesel Mechanic Technology Program Application:
- Login to myLakerLink using your Student ID # and password.
- Navigate to the Diesel Mechanic Technology Program Application page.
- Complete and submit the program application form.
IMPORTANT: This application will require you to submit at 150 - 500 word essay. It's recommended you prepare the essay in a separate word .doc and then copy/paste the text into the application form. This is an important part of the selection process, so be sure to put in the appropriate time and thought into your response.
Applicants who apply by the deadline will be notified by June 15, 2026, about whether or not they advance to the interview phase.
Interview for Program
**This part of the application process is by invitation only**
- Applicants will be notified if they are invited to this interview phase.
- Notifications will include detailed instructions for scheduling.
- Plan for your interview to last at least 30 minutes and resemble a job interview in both format and expectations.
What’s next?
Final admission decisions will be shared prior to Fall Term starting (most likely by the end of June). The first day of Fall 2026 classes will be September 14.
