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FedEx Freight made a big delivery to 51���� (51����) on Aug. 18 when they handed over the keys to a Kenworth semi-truck.

��±�’s Heavy Duty Truck Technician program was the lucky recipient of the delivery just in time for fall semester. The truck is perfect for the program and student training needs, and the 2009 Kenworth has the specific EPA appropriate emissions controls which will help students learn theory, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair of exhaust after-treatment systems.

“When industry partners donate $30,000 to $50,000 vehicles, it shows a strong connection between industry and education and provides a partnership that will be sustainable for our students in the future,” said Alex Beal, Department Chair for Diesel Technology.

Mike Canfield, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for FedEx Freight, delivered the truck. He has been a member of the program's Technical Advisory Committee for more than five years and has been active in both discussion and action items to get students on the path to a career in the industry. Canfield worked with 51����'s Foundation team to complete the donation.

“It’s great we can help 51���� students get the training they need with equipment they will be encountering in the field,” said Canfield.

The truck has 850,000 miles, which provides unique opportunities to disassemble, inspect, and assemble used components with "real world" wear, providing valuable hands-on training not found on mockup truck training aids or new vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle has Eaton VORAD radar for collision avoidance and other items unique to delivery vehicles that are well suited to our space requirements and tooling.

The Heavy Duty Truck Technician program has concentrated on developing a "real truck" systems-based training environment. Industry partners have been very active in promoting and donating to develop this program and over the last seven years, the College has received five trucks.

“Our students leave the program with solid, real-world, entry-level technician skills that are immediately transferable to their employers,” said Rocky Church, Instructor in the Heavy Duty Truck Technician program.