$8,500 donation supports students studying heavy-duty truck repair and maintenance
Dick’s Sanitation (DSI) has donated an $8,500 Snap-on tool box to the Heavy Duty Truck Technology program at Dakota County Technical College. Ken Klassen, HDTT faculty, related that students in the program are required to purchase tools and tool boxes to complete their training. Students take their purchased tool boxes and tools along with them to their employers. Tools are a required piece of employment.
“The tool box and tools donated by Dick’s Sanitation will be used by our students in our heavy-duty truck labs,” Ken explained. “Dick’s Sanitation has always been a loyal supporter of our students and program. This tool box donation and the company’s continued support are greatly appreciated. DSI also provides a solid career path for our graduates. Doesn’t get much better than this.”
Ken pointed out that two recent HDTT grads, Ben Krueger and Paul Thomas, are featured on the donated tool box. Ben and Paul are employed at DSI as truck technicians.
“Our students have been accepted to complete their required internships at DSI as well,” Ken said, “and two of our current students are working at DSI while going to college.”
Ben Krueger and Paul Thomas, HDTT graduates and DSI truck technicians
More about DSI…
Family owned and operated since 1966, Dick’s Sanitation employs more than 125 employees and operates 90 trucks. The company offers a wide variety of services, including residential, multifamily, commercial, compactor and roll-off. DSI is based in Lakeville, Minnesota. Read more…
On Thursday, November 1, 2018, three DSI representatives, Kyle Cromer, an HR generalist, Sheri Rau, a second-generation payroll specialist, and Jordan Nielsen, a third-generation office support specialist, visited the Heavy Duty Truck Technology labs on the DCTC campus in Rosemount, Minnesota. Kyle reported that DSI is excited to support the HDTT program through the Snap-on tool box donation.
“We are building awareness for mechanical careers in our community,” he said, adding that DSI has instituted a tuition reimbursement program to work in concert with the donation. “The program provides $3,000 per semester to cover tuition. When students work and learn with us, we’ll pay for their schooling. They have to maintain a B average and can work no more than twenty-five hours a week. College comes first.”
Kyle noted that DSI is looking for technicians who exemplify the best of the best. “The combination of donations and educational support is the best way to get there. Any DCTC student is welcome to visit our shop.”
DSI Snap-on tool box donation gallery
Bus and Truck Mechanics
Maintain or repair any type of diesel engine.
WAGE
Above the statewide median of $20.07/hour
Minnesota
Median: $23.93/hour
High: $29.04/hourSeven-county Twin Cities metro
Median: $26.10/hour
High: $30.15/hourOUTLOOK
This career is currently in very high demand and is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate is 9.8 percent, or above the statewide average. There will be a need for about 1,930 new Bus and Truck Mechanics to meet market demand between 2014–2024. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
More about the Heavy Duty Truck Technology program…
As a student in the HDTT program at DCTC, you will learn all aspects of heavy-duty truck repair and maintenance. The program focuses on large trucks, typically class 7 and 8.
Areas of instruction include:
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Steering/alignment
- Foundation brakes
- Air brakes
- Anti-lock brake systems
You will perform diesel engine troubleshooting as well as overhauls and tune-ups on both mechanical and electronic engines. Clutch, transmission, drive axle repair and overhaul are taught along with welding instruction, preventive maintenance and HVAC.
You will be given the opportunity to obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL) and become a state of Minnesota certified commercial vehicle inspector.
This program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Programs must undergo extensive evaluation and site visits by NATEF to receive and retain program accreditation.
Learn more about Heavy Duty Truck Technology at DCTC by contacting:
Kenneth Klassen
Heavy Duty Truck Technology Faculty
651-423-8402
Brent Newville
Heavy Duty Truck Technology Faculty
651-423-8327
Pete Szybatka
Heavy Duty Truck Technology Faculty
651-423-8591
