WORCESTER – Thursday, March 21, 2024 – On Wednesday, high school and adult students in the Worcester Public Schools met with officials from Peterbilt and The Pete Store at South High Community School after the companies made a significant donation of a full-sized diesel truck.
The truck, a 2014 Peterbilt Model 579 equipped with a Cummins ISX15 diesel engine, was donated last year by Peterbilt and The Pete Store. In a presentation at South High on Wednesday, students spoke directly with representatives of the companies to learn more about career opportunities in diesel technology.
“Support from industry leaders is critical for programs like Worcester Night Life as well as the Chapter 74 high school programs,” said Director of Night Life Education Ruth Seward. “This particular truck really helps get the right hands-on instructional aid so these students can walk away with real life learning.”
The truck will benefit students in both the South High Diesel Technology (Ch. 74) career technical education program and adult students in the Night Life program, providing students with a better hands-on learning experience servicing diesel engines.
“It’s really important for night life to be a partner with the daytime programs. The program partnership between South High Community School and Night Life has been critical in elevating diesel technology training for our students,” Seward said.
The Night Life Program recently received funding from the City of Worcester through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to train adult students to become diesel technicians, as well as help them find work in the field of diesel technology. Peterbilt and The Pete Store have assisted with these efforts, providing field trip opportunities for students and potential job opportunities for qualified students of the Diesel Technology program.
“Workforce development is trying to show there are a lot of ways that young people can have careers and this is one of those ways,” Seward said. “Diesel technology is a career and can offer lucrative positions with the right kind of training.”
The Diesel Technology program at South High provides students with basic skills and knowledge needed to become a successful entry-level diesel technician. The program combines academic instruction with live hands-on work experience to prepare students for entry-level automotive technician positions.
