Air brake system manufacturer Haldex has donated an air brake system board to the Northland Career Center Diesel Technology Program as a training aide for diesel technicians.

The Diesel Technology Program develops young diesel technicians and is operated by Platte County in the R-3 school district in Kansas City, Mo. Haldex donated the system to help promote the repair side of the commercial vehicle industry as a viable career path. The donated air board consists of products which make up an actual air brake system in heavy-duty applications.

This year the Diesel Technology Program enrolled 36 students from seven school districts representing 12 high schools and one education center. The two-year program emphasizes employability and is offered to high school juniors who are interested in diesel technology. This is the first year Haldex has participated in the program.

Students participate in the work-based learning center by not only manning their work center but by dressing in uniforms and punching a time clock. Each student has specific responsibilities in the diesel shop and rotates through the shop in order to learn all the diesel shop functions and requirements.

This real-life experience teaches entry level skills, and knowledge in all phases of diesel equipment repair, preventive maintenance, personal and shop management, parts work for transportation, construction, mobile and stationary diesel equipment applications.

To complete all the required skills, high school students attend three hours per day for two school years. Adults may complete in one year by attending six hours per day. Often students in their last semester of the program are offered a paid internship with an opportunity for future employment.

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