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Donation Enhances Avtec Diesel Equipment Program

Apr. 25, 2005
No. 05-58

NC Machinery Gives Computer-Controlled Diesel Engine to Seward School

(Juneau) -- Alaskans training for careers as heavy equipment mechanics at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center will soon be learning on the latest equipment, thanks to the donation of a computerized diesel engine.

NC Machinery Company, one of Alaska’s largest dealers of bulldozers and other heavy equipment, has donated a Caterpillar C7 computerized diesel engine to AVTEC, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s vocational education program in Seward.

The engine uses Caterpillar’s latest emissions technology and will be used to teach the next generation of diesel engine specialists the art of engine troubleshooting and diagnostics, said Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray.

“Modern mechanics need to be as familiar with computer technology as they are with their wrenches,” O’Claray said. “The experience our students will get with this modern computer-controlled diesel engine will help them be ready for the career opportunities that continue to open up in Alaska.”

The market for diesel engines has been 100 percent computer-controlled since October of 2003, and training on modern engines and their computerized fuel injection systems is very difficult for students to receive unless they are affiliated with a major engine manufacturer.

AVTEC is working hard to make training opportunities available for Alaskans. The school’s Diesel Engine Test Lab at AVTEC will allow students to work on running electronic engines from Detroit Diesel, Allison, Cummins, CAT, and John Deere. Instructors will have the opportunity to "bug" the engines with faults, which students must detect, diagnose and correct.

“Graduates that successfully complete AVTEC’s Diesel/Heavy Equipment training will have the knowledge and skills that industry looks for in hiring new workers,” O’Claray said. “We truly appreciate NC Machinery’s generosity helping enhance our program and help improve career prospects for young Alaskans.”

Located in Seward, AVTEC offers Alaskans training in 18 different careers. The Diesel/Heavy Equipment program is one of only 15 in the nation to be accredited through the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation.

With a 100 percent job placement rate, graduates are finding good jobs in Alaska’s resource based industries such as mining and construction. Applications are being accepted now for August enrollment.

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News Media Contact:
Fred Esposito, AVTEC Director (907) 224-4159

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