A first-year diesel mechanic student learns about testing engine components.
Since Southwestern began in 1961, the college has created and adapted programs to train workers to meet local business and workforce needs.
Over the past several years, members of the local trucking, transportation and maritime industries have asked the college to provide students with entry-level skills to enter the diesel repair industry.
In September, the college opened a Diesel Mechanic Training Program with a small class, in a temporary space.
Now we need the community’s help to build a modern shop for the classes.
SWOCC Foundation is helping the college raise $1 million for a new 4-bay diesel mechanic shop to house the training program. A local family has challenged the community to donate to the project and they will match donations $1-for-$1 up to $200,000.
With your help, we can meet that goal by spring 2026.
Why support Diesel Mechanics?
Hi. I’m Terry Cheyne. My wife Sherrie and I own and operate Cheyne’s Trucking & Marine, a mechanic shop on the Coos Bay waterfront. It’s a great business.
Diesel mechanic instructor Terry Cheyne launched SWOCC’s new training program in fall 2025.
I’m also the new instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, the person who designed the new diesel mechanic training program.
Why would I do that?
The choice was easy. Our business struggles to hire skilled mechanics. The same is true for every single other shop in the region.
Over the years, I have met young and middle-aged people here who want to work in the industry. They either did nothing because there was no local, affordable training option. Or, they left the region to train elsewhere. They never came back.
I figured if I want to hire skilled, professional mechanics, it’s time to step up and teach.
I left Coos Bay more than 30 years ago to learn through a diesel mechanic training program. It launched me on a career that took me across the country, from turning wrenches to eventually managing a transportation fleet. Corporate work gets to you, though. That’s why my wife and I decided to return to Coos Bay, my hometown.
We started a mobile diesel repair service, which grew into the thriving business we manage today. It now supports several families.
We also enjoy good industry friendships. Thanks to these connections, SWOCC and I were successful in starting the diesel mechanic classes in September in a temporary shop.
Now, we need your help to build a permanent shop
With a full-sized diesel mechanic lab, we will effectively train local people as mechanics for fulfilling careers and to support our regional businesses and industries. Please consider a donation to complete this building. To chat with us about donation opportunities, call (541) 888-7209.
