Haldex, a leading global manufacturer of air brake systems for trucks, trailers and buses, announced that it recently participated in the Northland Career Center Diesel Technology Program. Designed to help develop young diesel technicians, the program is operated by Platte County R-3 school district in Kansas City, Mo. As part of the Haldex mission to promote the repair side of the commercial vehicle industry as a viable career path to attract more young people into diesel service and repair, the maintenance team at the Haldex Marion, N.C. facility built and Haldex donated an air brake system board as part of their contribution to the program. The air board consisted of products which makeup the actual air brake system in heavy-duty truck applications.
This year the program had 36 students enrolled from seven school districts, representing 12 high schools and one education center. Emphasizing employability, the two-year program 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.
For more information, visit NorthlandCareerCenter.com or www.haldex.com.