Transportation Center

Students in M State's Diesel Equipment Technology and Automotive Technology programs get effective hands-on training in the college’s Transportation Center, the region’s premier facility for training transportation professionals.

Center highlights

• Well-equipped, modern labs and classrooms prepare students for high-tech jobs
• Students learn by doing live work on equipment, not simulators
• Industry support helps keep equipment current
• Thirty-six-seat classroom features seven LED touch screens to accommodate student teams
• Equipment meets or exceeds all industry safety standards
• Eighteen hoists and five dedicated alignment machines are available for auto technology students
• Twelve overheads hoists are available for diesel technology students during overhaul classes
• Facility is spacious, clean, bright and comfortable

Facility investment

A $7 million renovation project, completed in 2016, provided nearly 46,000 square feet of lab and classroom space for M State diesel and automotive students and involved both new construction and renovations to existing labs and classrooms.

The project was funded by the Minnesota Legislature and supported by regional business and industry partners who rely on M State to provide highly skilled employees.

Tools program

M State offers the only diesel program in the region that supplies tools for second-year students on campus, ensuring students will have tools available at their job sites and at college

"The facilities at M State are the newest and most up to date in the state of Minnesota. M State students experience the latest in industry technology to get a jump-start on their careers. The staff’s partnerships with industry and the facilities where they learn mean the students who attend M State for Diesel Technology and Automotive Technology have the potential to be very successful in the careers they pursue."

Steve Mikkelson

Regional Manager

Allstate Peterbilt of Fargo

"I chose M State’s Diesel Technology program over others in part because of the location and what it has to offer, but also because of the welcome I received when I toured the facility. I thought the best part of the program was that it has a structured daily work schedule, as it would be later in our careers.

"After M State, I got a job at Ziegler CAT in Crookston as a shop technician, then transferred within the company closer to home after two years to work as a shop technician on the night shift in Fergus Falls. When a position opened up for service supervisor, I took a chance and applied. I’d like to thank the diesel program instructors and the college for helping me get ready to take that leap. Without the technical skills I learned and the work ethic they taught I would not be in the position I’m in.

"My advice to incoming diesel students is to work hard every day. Don’t take breaks in your learning because, if you do, the next person applying for that job posting might be one step ahead of you."

Tanner Jorgenson

Diesel Technology program graduate

Service Supervisor, Ziegler CAT