The Elkhart Area Career Center diesel service technology program was started two years ago in response to request from the area's industry. The goal of the program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed as entry level diesel technicians in the construction, agriculture and trucking industry.
Many of the students who enroll in the program have agricultural backgrounds or are interested in pursuing careers in the agriculture industry.
Instructor of the program, Pete Lestinsky, says the program offers so much to students who are wanting to work full-time in the diesel mechanic field.
Before taking the instructor position at the EACC's Diesel Service Technology center, Lestinsky owned Rolling Diesel Service in Rolling Prairie where he worked on farm equipment, repaired trucks and other pieces of equipment.
He had heard that the EACC was looking for a diesel mechanic instructor and thought that he would apply. He had no teaching background but thought with his diesel mechanic background he might enjoy working with youths.
In addition to learning the basics and fundamentals of diesel mechanic work, students are also given the opportunity to gain the proper instruction and practice for the Commercial Truck Driving license. During the last two weeks of school, students are able to practice their semi-truck driving skills in the parking lot of the facility.
"Right now, students aren't able to actually obtain a CDL license, but we are working with Ivy Tech to see if that is something we can make happen in the near future," said Lestinsky. "They all, however, do earn their Automotive Service Excellence certification before they leave the program."
Students at the EACC come from 16 various schools in both Indiana and Michigan. The goal for each graduating student is for them to have a job lined up or to be enrolled in a technical college.
"There is such a big demand for diesel mechanics that companies are starting to reach out to us searching for students who will be graduating and ready to start work," said Lestinsky.
Nick Harbaugh, one of the diesel students, said, "There are always openings for good mechanics and the industry needs good ones. A lot of the mechanics out there are getting older and are ready to retire so younger technicians who are going to show up on time and know how to work are needed."
In addition, Seth Crocker shared that he joined the diesel program because he didn't want to sit behind a desk every day. He likes the idea of having hands-on projects to work on and the opportunities that come with diesel mechanic work.
The program takes the students on several field trips throughout the year. Lestinsky said that the students have visited McCallister Cat, Old Dominion, Whiteford Kenworth, etc. to let students get a first-hand look at the type of work they could be doing in the near future.
Team work is one other component that Lestinsky stresses with those who are in the diesel mechanic program.
"I like to call this program a melting pot because after about two weeks into the school year, the kids no longer 'belong' to the school they came from. They are all on the same team now," Lestinsky said. "I like to stress this because when they get into the work force they will have to understand how to work as a team."
The program has received a handful of donations from vehicles to parts. The semi-truck that the students use to practice for their CDL license was donated by Gary Kessler Farms of Rolling Prairie.
Lestinsky said he wasn't looking for a job when he heard about this opportunity but he is very happy that he applied and earned the opportunity to work with the kids because he really enjoys it.
"I trust the kids because they have spent many hours training and learning the ins and outs of diesel mechanic work," said Lestinsky. "I'm very proud of all of them."