Stepping into the Diesel Technology building at Walla Walla Community College is like entering a gearhead’s paradise. Massive trucks, tractors, and engines of all kinds fill the space, their metal frames gleaming under bright shop lights. The air hums with the sound of students turning wrenches, testing diagnostics, and mastering the intricate systems that keep diesel-powered machines running.
At the heart of this hands-on powerhouse are instructors Brandon Hinrichs and Arnold Weaver. Hinrichs leads the first-year students through the fundamentals, while Weaver takes the second-year students deeper into the mechanics of modern diesel technology. As students dive into their projects, Weaver proudly walks us through the garage area, where every workbench tells a story of learning in action.
“Our mission is to make sure our students graduate with the skills to land an entry-level job right away,” says Weaver. “But they are given opportunities to go even deeper – learning advanced diagnostics, electronic systems, and troubleshooting techniques. Potentially, they can be prepared for more than an entry-level position.
But it’s not just about diesel engines. The program challenges students with a variety of projects, from gas engine repairs to full-scale modifications. Right now, one team is taking on a bold project—converting a Ford pickup from gas to diesel. It’s real-world experience that mirrors the challenges they’ll face in the industry.
With only 20 students admitted per quarter, the program offers plenty of hands-on training and one-on-one instruction. “Our students love to get their hands dirty,” says Weaver. “They’re hands-on learners who thrive when they can apply what they learn in the classroom directly to an engine in the shop.”
WWCC’s Diesel Tech program isn’t just about fixing trucks—it’s about building the future of the industry. These students don’t just learn; they innovate, problem-solve, and fine-tune their expertise, preparing for careers that keep the world moving—one engine at a time.
