Warner Robins, Ga. – The Diesel Equipment Technology program at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) recently received a donation of new Navistar diesel engines, toolboxes, and an electronic system trainer from Rush Truck Centers in Macon to help grow the program and meet industry standards.
“This is for the students to get their hands working on new equipment and gain experience on new truck series engines,” said program chair, Lance Teele. “Partnerships like this let us get outside the confines of these walls, and shows companies they can give to the program and support students as they prepare for the workforce.”
The Diesel Equipment Technology program has seen steady growth since its move from Fort Valley to lab space on the College’s Warner Robins campus in 2020. The Diesel lab space continues to grow as plans to erect a new vehicle lift are underway.
There to receive the donation from Rush, alongside Teele’s students were dean of the Aerospace, Trade, and Industry Division, Michael Engel, and executive vice president of the CGTC Foundation, Tonya McClure.
As students took their first look at the equipment from Rush they were reminded of how partnerships between industry and technical programs benefit their growth.
“To donate a few items to help with their technician skills or to help them get on task with what we need as an industry going forward, helps us in recruiting employees,” said, David Collins, the service manager at Rush Truck Centers in Macon.
Collins also said that keeping students engaged through partnerships like this is, “absolutely crucial” to the industry’s future.
Rush’s donation comes as a part of Navistar Central Services program that regularly donates equipment to high schools and colleges. With over 120 locations throughout the U.S., Rush is able to make a large impact among young technicians in its essential industry.
For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology Program visit, https://www.centralgatech.edu/programs-of-study/aerospace-trade-industry/diesel-equipment-technology.
Photo: Students, faculty, and staff from the Diesel Equipment Technology program and the College hold up a new banner. Rush Truck Centers of Macon recently donated new equipment to the program in September.