(Courtesy: Blue Mountain Community College)

“When people see me and I tell them what I’m going to school for, they’re  like, ‘Oh! Okay?’  They’re surprised at first,” laughs 19-year-old Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) student, Krysten Yeaple. “Over the summer, [when I worked at a] shop, all of the guys were really nice. I was the only female mechanic working there but everyone has been really supportive.” 

Yeaple is a student at Blue Mountain Community College’s diesel technology program, which teaches its students highly sought-after skills as diesel technicians. The skills they are learning set them up for lifelong careers in the field—all in an inclusive and welcoming environment. The campus in Pendleton, Oregon, may conjure images of cowboys on horseback for many, but the skilled use and understanding of diesel machinery that students are learning is essential to nearby agricultural community, making the schools importance in the community clear. 

BMCC’s diesel tech program boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate. 

Students learn on the most cutting-edge diagnostic technology as well as hands-on training.  

(Courtesy: Blue Mountain Community College)

The pandemic created a high demand for truck drivers. The breakdown in cross-country supply chains, also created a need for people who can understand and repair the complex diesel systems that quite literally make things run. The diesel tech program at BMCC not only teaches students to service, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, suspension systems, and braking systems, but graduates master the complex computer-based electronic systems that are today’s industry standard. Students learn to become experts on proprietary software at some of the biggest names in diesel—Cummins, Kenworth, Navastar, and more.  

The success of BMCC’s diesel technology program stems from its deep ties to the community and the comprehensive, cutting-edge training students receive in a hands-on environment. 

In addition to taking classes where they practice mock interviews and resume writing, diesel tech students work with real customers and vehicles at the college’s on-site mechanic shop.  

Jeremy Pike, a professional diesel mechanic with more than 15 years of experience, now teaches at BMCC.  

“It’s like a real shop,” said Pike. “You never know what is going to come through the door next.”  

(Courtesy: Blue Mountain Community College)

From tractors and off-road vehicles to Ford pick-up trucks, students are able to practice their skills first-hand. Thanks to an anonymous donation of a 2012 Freightliner, they practice work on commercial vehicles too.  

Pike also works with a community advisory board made up of industry partners to ensure the curriculum at BMCC’s diesel tech program remains up-to-date and provides students with access to the most current expertise. Students also complete a cooperative work experience credit, where BMCC helps place students in working mechanic shops to get real-world insight and create professional connections.  

As comprehensive and advanced as the program is, it is open to anyone regardless of their experience level.  

“I’ve had students who have never had a wrench in their hand before to students who come from the farm or the logging industry,” said Pike. “At the end of that two years, when that student shows that they’ve learned something through the program, whether they had experience or not, that’s always the best part. It’s the reassurance that ‘Okay, we’re doing the right thing.’” 

As for Yeaple, who will graduate this spring, she hopes to one day work at a heavy-duty machinery shop, like Papé. With the experience and training she received at BMCC’s diesel tech program, Krysten feels secure about her future professional prospects. 

“Almost no matter what, you’re going to be able to go somewhere, you’re going to be able to be successful, as long as you try and apply yourself,” said Yeaple. 

About Blue Mountain Community College 

Blue Mountain Community College provides responsive and high quality innovative educational programs and services that promote personal and professional growth to strengthen our communities. Blue Mountain Community College values: 

• Integrity that promotes trust, honesty, ethical behavior, and professionalism 
• Communication that is open, honest, and encourages a cooperative exchange of thoughts and ideas 
• Compassionate relationships based on empathy, kindness, and reliability 
• Access to all in an equitable manner 
• Respect of individuals for their uniqueness and diversity 
• Excellence in an educational environment that engages, challenges, advances intellectual curiosity, and fosters lifelong learning