The Tennessee College of Applied Technology will transition its Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program to Off-Road Diesel Technology and become an official Kubota TECH campus to meet the needs of the geographical populations it serves at its Dickson campus.

The Off-Road Diesel Technology (ODT) program will focus on tractors, equipment, and even diesel-powered lawn mowers. Additionally, students enrolled in the ODT program will have the opportunity to gain Kubota TECH certifications before graduating with their diplomas, making them more marketable upon graduation.

Those additional Kubota TECH certifications through NC3 include Product Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Assembly; Maintenance Procedures; Engines; Electrical; Preventative Maintenance Inspection; Hydraulics; and Brakes, Steering, Suspension (BSS).

TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis is pleased about the new offering at the main campus.

“We are thrilled to bring the Off-Road Diesel Technology program to our community,” Travis said. “The program gives students the chance to gain real-world skills and earn industry credentials that lead to good careers. It’s an exciting opportunity to help individuals build strong futures while meeting the growing demand for skilled technicians.”

As an official Kubota TECH campus, Kubota delivered three new pieces of equipment to TCAT Dickson including a tractor, side-by-side, and lawn mower for students to use as learning tools. Later this year the campus should receive a skid steer and could potentially receive a mini excavator for additional training opportunities. Kubota will continue to replace those pieces of equipment, so students are always exposed to the newest technology.

Recent graduates of the diesel program praised the opportunity to work on Kubota equipment and earn certifications from the company.

Owen White, a recent graduate of the diesel program said, “I liked having the Kubota equipment here to work on. It’s good to have something to look at while you are learning about it.”

“The Kubota TECH part is great. They have good hydraulic knowledge. There is a lot of hydraulics on this equipment. Everything is starting to run off HST (Hydro Static Transmission). You can take this knowledge and apply it to other areas,” recent graduate Jathan Hicks said.

White and Hicks were two of a group of five students to be the firsts to complete Kubota TECH certifications on TCAT Dickson’s campus.

“Having these extra certifications from Kubota TECH gives these students more ammunition and more opportunities in the workforce,” Diesel Instructor Tommy Yarbrough said.

Students who earn the Kubota TECH certifications will have the opportunity to complete Kubota Universities Registered Level training program which ultimately introduces them to the Kubota Advanced and Master Level Technician Pathway.

That benefit for graduates of the program will also greatly impact Kubota dealerships who will have access to contact and hire individuals from the database who are trained and ready to meet their workforce needs from day one without having to spend extra time completing on-the-job training.

“Our programs are nimble to the community needs,” Dr. Levi Mayer, Vice President of Academics and Compliance at TCAT Dickson said. “We see a greater need for Off-Road Diesel Technology at our Dickson campus. Our Clarksville campus will continue to maintain the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program,” Mayer added. The primary focus of the Clarksville program will continue to be large commercial semi-trucks, large recreational vehicles, and specialty commercial vehicles like waste disposal and fire trucks.

For additional information on the new Off-Road Diesel Technology and Kubota TECH certifications available at the main campus in Dickson, or existing Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program offered at the Clarksville location, visit tcatdickson.edu.