Clark State’s diesel lab in Bellefontaine provides the opportunity for students to work directly on trucks, engines and use the latest industry tools and equipment.
At Clark State College, students training to become diesel technicians are getting a hands-on experience like never before. At the Bellefontaine campus, newly upgraded labs provide the opportunity for students to work directly on trucks, from a Volvo semi to a fire engine, using the latest industry tools and equipment. This lab is more than just a classroom—it’s part of a partnership with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center that helps students move smoothly from high school to college while linking them with local employers who are eager for skilled technicians. The result is a program that prepares graduates for real-world jobs in trucking, agriculture and construction, right where the demand is growing fastest.
“Diesel technicians are in high demand and our Bellefontaine labs give students the opportunity to train on the equipment they will use on the job,” said Adam Parrillo, Ph.D., dean of business and applied technologies at Clark State. “The innovation here is not just the lab. It is the partnership, the pathways and the connection to industry. Clark State students are well-prepared to enter a field where trained technicians are in demand.”
Clark State’s diesel technology program offers both certificate and associate degree options in diesel technology. Students complete the certificate in just over a year and seamlessly stack it into a two-year associate degree.
All Clark State diesel programs give students hands-on experience with engine performance, preventive maintenance, drivetrains, electrical systems and safety. Students also complete 300 hours of paid internships with regional employers, including Dayton Freight, Sutphen and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Graduates are prepared for careers as diesel technicians or diesel mechanics, with starting salaries averaging $60,000 annually.
Enrollment for fall semester begins March 17, with classes beginning August 17. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
For more information or to enroll, visit clarkstate.edu or contact admissions at 937-328-6028.