LEWISTON, Idaho – The Diesel Technology Program at Lewis-Clark State College received a 2008 GMC 3500 Sierra pickup truck on Wednesday that was donated by the Idaho Department of Transportation to use as training in the classroom.
The vehicle was used in the Orofino, Pierce and Weippe areas by IDT to haul equipment during the last 10 years. The truck has approximately 184,000 miles on it and although it still runs, it is in need of repair. Instead of salvaging the truck, IDT donated the truck to LCSC. Diesel Technology assistant professors Andy Kuther and Jay Kimble said the donation is great for the program because the truck will be one of the newer models of small trucks at LC for students to work on.
Students will run a complete diagnostics on the truck at least 2-3 times before they will attempt to fix the issues from the tests. Eventually, the truck will be used to transport diesel and other automotive parts by LCSC as well as still be used in the shop as a training aid for students.
Kuther and Kimble said the donation is almost priceless because the current small truck fleet that LC works on does not have this kind of fuel system. LC does have larger trucks with newer fuel systems and the college relies on such vehicles for live training aids. These trucks mainly come from donations by area businesses or from grant money.
Kuther and Kimble agree that it’s a great relationship for two state agencies to have because it can benefit both. LCSC has graduates who have gone on to work at ITD and there could be opportunities for internships with ITD down the road.
LCSC offers a two-year associate’s degree and one-year certificates in Diesel Technology and averages approximately 30 students a year in the program. Within the last five years, according to LCSC data, the program has placed 95 percent of its graduates in industry and more than 20 local businesses recruit students to fill open positions.
For more information on the Diesel Technology program, contact Kuther at either atkuther@lcsc.edu or 208-790-3981.
Photo: (L-R: Bob Schumacher, Andy Kuther, Jay Kimble)