NMCC could receive funds to expand diesel hydraulic program

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — There is a high demand for diesel technicians and mechanics in the state and not enough workers to meet the demand, according to a local college president.

Northern Maine Community College wants to expand its program to train enough workers to meet that demand, but it is contingent on final approval from Congress of $410,000 in congressionally directed spending.

The trucking industry is most reliant on diesel hydraulic technicians and mechanics to keep trucks and equipment functioning, although forestry and agriculture have similar needs. The school’s diesel hydraulic program has been full for several years, but the program is too small to meet the needs.The money infusion would help NMCC expand its program.

“Keeping the economy rolling in this country is dependent a big part on trucking and partially [agriculture] for this region,” said Tim Crowley, president for NMCC. “The demand for truck technicians that can keep trucks moving is very high.”

The employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics has a projected growth rate of 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If approved, Northern Maine Community College will purchase more training equipment and hire another teacher to work with current diesel hydraulic teacher Jeffrey Butterfield. The college would expand from 18 to 24 students in a class, Crowley said. Most students are from Aroostook County.

The school would also invest in training on the changing technology in trucks with refrigeration units, and upgrade the ventilation system to vent fumes at the college’s training facility.

“The whole purpose of this program is to support the workforce and support trucking,” Crowley said.

Last year, one local potato farmer familiar with the college’s hydraulic program brought a 1982 Yanmar tractor for students to diagnose what was wrong with it.

Hydraulic technician senior Alex Sweetser found a bad valve and, working with classmates, fixed the equipment, according to Griffin Goins, dean of development and public affairs.

Students from the diesel hydraulic program have also worked on snow plows for the Maine Department of Transportation.

The northern region of Maine DOT has had an internship program with Northern Maine Community College for the last 15 years, according to Robert Watson, region manager for the northern region of Maine DOT. Students can apply and work in the DOT’s main fleet garage in Caribou. Two interns at a time can work there for course credit.

“We try to get [the student interns] involved in whatever work we have going on in the shop to give them as broad experience as they can get while they are here,” Watson said.

Attrition through mainly retirement is adding to the workforce shortage of diesel mechanics and technicians for Maine DOT. Some students have gone to work for the northern region Maine DOT while others have moved to southern Maine for job opportunities.

Northern Maine Community College isn’t the only location with a diesel hydraulic program. Other schools are York County Community College in Wells and Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor.

NMCC has been successful growing programs that address specific workforce needs. Northern Maine Community College graduated 35 students from the Commercial Drivers Licensing program two years ago, and this year will see around 100 students graduating. The CDL program attracts students from all over Maine.

Meanwhile NMCC waits to see if Congress gives final approval to the funds for the diesel hydraulic program.

“We haven’t been awarded the money yet, but we are informed that it is moving forward in the process,” Crowley said.