Penske Boosts Support for Diesel Training

| By: Britten, Casey

Penske Truck Leasing donated a fully-equipped toolbox to Fox Valley Technical College’s Transportation division for use in its Diesel Technology programs to help the college maintain around-the-clock training to meet industry demands.

Penske company officials made the donation at a brief ceremony before more than 60 FVTC Diesel Technology students and instructional leaders. The college runs diesel classes for 12 hours a day during in the summer to help keep up with industry demands for skilled diesel techs. College officials report that there is an average of 20 full-time job postings in the region each month for technicians. The data is supported by 97% graduate placement in FVTC’s Diesel Technology programs over the past five years, with 165 skilled technicians entering the region’s workforce over that time.

Advanced technologies and an average salary of nearly $58,000 for FVTC graduates after five years in the workforce have contributed toward a recent surge in more people seeking careers in the field. Penske officials report that they are currently looking to fill career opportunities at 14 locations throughout Wisconsin.