Workers from H3 Construction complete interior framing on the shop that should be complete by November.
Since sharing plans for Southwestern’s Diesel Mechanic Technology program last year, we have made significant progress turning that vision into reality.
Eight students completed their first year of hands-on training aligned with the workforce needs of our region. Instructor Terry Cheyne and his assistant instructor Tim Swank taught classes in a temporary lab focusing on skills required for maintaining and repairing trucks, heavy equipment, and diesel-powered machinery in Oregon’s transportation, construction, forestry, farming and maritime sectors.
Thanks to local businesses, individual donors, Ford Family Foundation, Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation and the Judith Ann Mogan Foundation, the College began construction of the new Diesel Mechanic Technology shop. The building is framed and well on its way to completion by November. Once finished, the lab will provide students with a modern, diesel shop environment. We’ll need it. It’s a two-year training program, and the building will provide enough space for this fall’s class of 15 new first-year students.
Why support Diesel Mechanics?
A first-year diesel mechanic student learns about testing engine components.
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.
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.
We can still use some help in outfitting the shop
Between donations from local truck shops and fundraising, SWOCC will be able to install most of the equipment. Though, we are still seeking donations toward a mobile crane, toolkits and scholarships. To chat with us about donation opportunities, call 541-888-7209 or email foundation@socc.edu.
Support the Future of Diesel Training!A big thank you to our dedicated partners!
We could not have accomplished this for our community without these businesses and their staff. These businesses have donated staff time to serve on an advisory committee and guest lecture with students, equipment, tools, funds and labor.
Petersen Cat, North Bend; Cheyne’s Truck & Marine; Coos Bay Toyota; Diesel Cast West an M&D company; Gold Coast Truck Repair; Johnson Rock; Kimball Midwest; Ray Smith Electric; Reaction Force LLC; Sause Bros.; Shade Tree Diesel; South Port Lumber Co.; Bandon Dunes Golf Resort; Billeter Marine; Bracelin Trucking; Coos Bay Napa; Coos Bay Rail Line; Day Ship Supply; Intl. Union of Operating Engineers Local 701; Koontz Machine; Les’ Sanitation/Waste Management; Napa Corp.; Papé Group; Roto-Rooter; West Coast Contractors; Jackson Group Peterbilt; RWC Group; Main Rock; South Coast Lumber; Bowers Trucking; Lane Community College; and Ocean Terminals.