I-State and Daimler Donate 2015 Freightliner

College, truck center and truck manufacturer split cost of semi-tractor for HDTT

I-State Truck Center in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) have each donated $15,000 toward the purchase of a 2015 Freightliner for the Heavy Duty Truck Technology (HDTT) program at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). DCTC provided $15,000 to cover the cost of the $45,000 vehicle, which was purchased through the DTNA Trucks for Training Program.

The HDTT program at DCTC became eligible for the Trucks for Training Program through its participation in Get Ahead, a partnership program between Daimler Trucks North America, diesel schools, and DTNA service network locations, e.g., I-State Truck Center, offering diesel schools access to Freightliner Web-based training free of charge.

“Our HDTT students also deserve some credit for this donation because without their commitment to complete these training modules none of this would have been possible.”

— Ken Klassen, HDTT Faculty

“Our HDTT program is ranked #8 among more than one hundred and seventy Get Ahead locations nationwide,” said Ken Klassen, HDTT faculty. “The Trucks for Training program enabled our college program to purchase a used Freightliner vehicle at a reduced price. DTNA, I-State Truck Center and DCTC participated in a three-way cost split, providing our students with a 2015 Freightliner truck they can use for hands-on training and learning modern technology.”

Ken added that Get Ahead online training is a tremendous asset for students, giving them a genuine head start entering the workforce. Get Ahead training is also utilized by HDTT faculty to keep their program current. HDTT faculty are required to be certified before their students receive credit for the online training completed.

“Our HDTT students also deserve some credit for this donation because without their commitment to complete these training modules none of this would have been possible,” Ken said. “I believe our students see the value of Get Ahead training.”

Ken pointed out that I-State Truck Center has been actively involved with the HDTT program. “This partnership is vital to our program and the training of our students,” he said. “We appreciate all the support that I-State Truck Center and Daimler Trucks North America has given us.”

2015 Freightliner gallery

Industry perspective…

Mark Olson, general manager at I-State Truck Center in Inver Grove Heights, reported that the DCTC HDTT program deserved to be recognized for its #8 ranking on DTNA Get Ahead, which evaluates schools based on:

Student placement across the DTNA network of dealers and distributors
Number of instructors
Number of students
Number of Web-based training programs completed

“We are happy to donate funds toward the purchase of the 2015 Freightliner for the college’s Heavy Duty Truck Technology program,” Mark said. “Technicians are in high demand, and DCTC graduates are highly prepared when they come to us. We are going to need a lot of technicians going into the future.”

Lee Keener, service and body shop operations manager at I-State, reported that their location employs 23 technicians and processes around 750 work orders a month.

“Having well-trained and responsible technicians is a vital part of our operation,” Lee said.

More about DTNA Get Ahead…

Benefits for diesel schools…

Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit training

Free Web-based training developed for industry dealer and distributor technicians.

Allow your students to earn certifications

The courses comprise the core requirements of a Systems certification, which is necessary to perform warranty work.

Partner with local Daimler Trucks dealers/distributors

Forge relationships with industry employers to strengthen your program and increase enrollment.

Learn more by visiting:
DTNA Get Ahead

More about I-State Truck Center…

I-State Truck Center Mission Statement

Creating customer satisfaction will ensure long term success for our company, employees and the manufacturers we represent. We commit ourselves to excellence, integrity, improvement and teamwork.

The first priority of each employee is to exceed our customers’ expectations. Our success depends on our efforts.

Learn more by visiting:
I-State Truck Center Inver Grove Heights

More about Daimler Trucks North America…

Daimler Trucks North America is an automotive industry manufacturer of commercial vehicles headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Brands

Learn more by visiting:
Daimler Trucks North America

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/hour

Seven-county Twin Cities metro

Median: $26.10/hour
High: $30.15/hour

OUTLOOK

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.

— Minnesota State CAREERwise Education

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