|
NORMAL, IL, Jan. 20, 2026 –Heartland
Community College is breaking new ground for workforce training with
a first-in-the-state program in developing technology.
Heartland’s District 540 Board of Trustees has approved a new
academic program for Hybrid Diesel Equipment Technology.
The Hybrid Diesel Equipment Technology certificate provides hands-on
training and technical coursework focused on diagnosing, repairing,
and maintaining medium and heavy-duty hybrid diesel vehicles and
equipment. Students gain experience with electric propulsion systems
alongside conventional diesel engines, preparing them for
entry-level employment or opportunities to upskill within the
workforce.
The new pathway offers students skills that will address growing
statewide training gaps emerging in transportation, agriculture,
diesel retail, trucking, and logistics. Recent analysis identified
over 300 unique job postings for these positions, with a median
advertised salary of $52,000.
“Other colleges have existing diesel programs, but this is the first
one to bridge traditional diesel systems with emerging hybrid and
electric vehicle technologies,” said Adam Campbell, Heartland Dean
of Career and Technical Education.
The Hybrid Diesel Equipment Technology Certificate is 26 credit
hours and can stack into an Industrial Technology Associate of
Applied Science degree. Coursework covers key areas such as
electrical systems, battery technology, power electronics,
regenerative braking, hybrid diesel-electric powertrain management,
climate control systems, and high-voltage safety protocols. Students
also learn to use the diagnostic tools and software commonly used by
industry professionals.
[to top of second column] |
HCC student Joshua Razo and HCC instructor Vincent Hobart with a
Diesel Hybrid engine.
The Board also approved new
certificates in Industrial Robotics and Programmable Controller
certifications, which are designed to offer students the opportunity
to gain a skill that transfers directly into entry-level work, or
stack with other coursework towards an associate degree.
The next step for the programs is approval from the Illinois
Community College Board. Pending that approval, the programs will be
offered at Heartland in the Fall 2026 semester.
[Steve
Fast
Heartland Community College
Assistant to the President, Public Information]
 |
