(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Case Harris’ journey to Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program started with a family-owned pickup truck.
“We own an F-350 pickup called ‘The Beast,’” Harris said. “Our family has owned it since 1999, and it has been a pain.”
Harris said someone from his family would start the diesel engine pickup once or twice a week and let it idle for a few minutes. When the family moved from Eula to Roby, they noticed that the pickup was having fuel issues.
“We took it to two or three shops, and it cost more than $45,000 to fix,” Harris said. “At one point, we paid $800 at a shop for it only to sit there and idle.”
When Harris left that shop in “The Beast,” it died on the side of the road. He was given information about a roadside diesel mechanic who immediately recognized the issue and made the needed repairs.
“I knew right then after talking to (the mechanic) that this is what I wanted to do,” Harris said. “I wanted to work in the diesel engine field.”
When his Roby High School counselor told him about TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, Harris said it was an easy decision to enroll.
“I knew that I wanted to go to college and this (program) is what I wanted to do,” he said. “It is close to my home, and the atmosphere is great.”
Harris, who is studying for an associate degree, said the program’s instructors make learning both challenging and fun.
“I want to come in here to learn more and more about the engines,” Harris said. “The instructors have a great style. They give you little tips and pointers but will not tell you what to do.”
Harris, who was among the students who signed with TSTC during the National CTE (career and technical education) Signing Day ceremony in 2024, said he hopes to be able to work for Warren CAT after he graduates.
“After signing day, I went with my parents to see the facility in Abilene,” he said. “I was given a tour, and it was a great experience. I knew I would like to work there one day.”
Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Shannon Weir sees Harris having a successful career.
“He is a built-in leader of this class,” Weir said. “He is going to make someone in the industry a really good hand. He is the definition of a team player.”
According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in the state earn an annual average salary of $56,780, the website stated.
Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. This fall, the program will be offered at the Abilene campus. Depending on campus location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations. Several certificates of completion also are offered.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
