This content was published: April 17, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PHOTO: High school students get revved with Diesel Day
Photos and story by James Hill
On Friday, April 17, Steven Wilgus (left), a second-year PCC Diesel Service Technology student from Beaverton, demonstrates to a group of high school students how to tear down a Cummins 855 Big Cam engine in the diesel shop at the Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road.
Portland Community College welcomed more than 225 students from Washington County and Portland Metro area high schools to its annual Diesel Day. The college invites local high school students to its shops to view tools, engines, braking hydraulic and electronics systems and operate and view big rigs that are often used in the diesel service technology field.
Students also got to tour or operate donated big rigs like a mini excavator (pictured), Peterbuilt and Volvo Trucks, Ag West tractor, skid steer from Halton Co. and plenty of Earth-moving equipment. The event shows not only the value of education, but also the many careers available within the diesel service field.
Russ Dunnington, chair of the program, said his program is nearly full with 75 PCC students. He is seeing many older workers, who are transitioning from layoffs from Intel or refiguring their bachelor’s degrees, signing up for his classes, he said. He still sees plenty of interest from industry partners. “Despite the industry hurting, I am still getting job calls for students,” Dunnington said.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »