Heartland Community College will be the first in Illinois to offer a Hybrid Diesel Equipment Technology program to students starting this Fall.
The Hybrid Diesel Equipment Technology certificate provides both hands-on training and technical coursework to diagnose, repair and maintain medium and heavy-duty hybrid diesel vehicles and equipment. Students will also study electric propulsion systems.
“Other colleges have existing diesel programs, but this is the first one to bridge traditional diesel systems with emerging hybrid and electric vehicle technologies,” said Heartland Dean of Career and Technical Education Adam Campbell.
Heartland said a recent analysis identified over 300 unique job postings for applicable positions and a median advertised salary of $52,000. The new pathway provides an opportunity for students to address gaps in transportation, agriculture, diesel retail, trucking and logistics once they graduate.
The certificate is 26 credit hours to cover hybrid diesel-electric powertrain management, electrical systems, battery technology, regenerative breaking, climate control systems and more.
Heartland’s District 540 Board of Trustees approved the new academic program. The program’s next step is seeking approval from the Illinois Community College Board.
Heartland has also submitted Industrial Robotics and Programmable Controller certifications for approval. They can be stacked with other coursework towards an associate degree.
