Barren County ATC Diesel Program ranked among the nation’s best, adds new training simulators
GLASGOW, Ky. (WBKO) - The Diesel Technology Program at the Barren County Area Technology Center (ATC) has earned national recognition and new training equipment to enhance student learning.
According to the release, Daimler Truck North America ranks the program 16th out of 300 high school and technical college diesel programs nationwide for the number of industry-regulated certifications earned by students.
This top-tier ranking has earned the program new cutting-edge simulators from Daimler Truck North America, including:
- an electrical system simulator
- an air disk brake simulator
- a full diesel truck simulator
These additions provide students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for industry certifications and careers in the diesel technology field.
“Students can read about diesel mechanics in a textbook, or they can learn from the ‘real deal’ by working directly with the equipment used in today’s diesel market,” said Diesel Instructor Shawn Gray in a release. “These simulators give our students an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the same technology they’ll see in the workforce.”
Diesel student Isaiah Adwell said he has gained a lot from the program.
“Before I began taking classes in the diesel program, I didn’t know anything about diesel trucks, but the hands-on experience with the simulators has changed all of that,” Adwell said. “I’ve gained knowledge and confidence.”
Currently, 30 students are enrolled in the program, receiving hands-on training with support from industry partners like Best One Tires and Velocity Truck Center. These partnerships provide additional learning opportunities and real-world industry exposure.
Upon completing the program, many students choose to further their education in college, while others transition directly into the workforce, often earning upwards of $25 an hour.
Looking ahead, Gray hopes to raise funds to add a CDL simulator to the program, further expanding opportunities for students to graduate college- and career-ready.
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