Peach State Freightliner to Provide Equipment and Funding for Training Heavy Diesel Service Technicians at Gwinnett Technical College
Georgia’s largest Freightliner truck dealer, Peach State Freightliner recently inked a partnership deal with Gwinnett Technical College that will gift the college with more than $100,000 in equipment, training opportunities, and scholarships. The partnership specifically addresses needs in the college’s Diesel Program that offers certificates in both Heavy Diesel Service Technician and Diesel Power Generation with plans to further awareness of the program and develop high-quality trained students for the workforce.
“Partnerships, such as this exciting relationship with Peach State Freightliner, provide our students with industry-specific experience that makes them more knowledgeable about the field of heavy diesel equipment and work specific skills that make them more employable in today’s job market,” said Gwinnett Tech President Dr. Glen Cannon. “While the caliber of the faculty is always an excellent foundation for our students in the academic and technical fields, this partnership will better allow Gwinnett Tech to educate highly qualified individuals for the workforce.”
Peach State Freightliner has already implemented a web-based training program that can be used for 40 students per class at two classes per year, allowing traditional courses to be taught in a hybrid of in-class and online instruction. Additionally, Peach State Freightliner will provide Gwinnett Tech with training boards and engines through its loan program for hands-on educational opportunities for students in class. Students enrolled in the Heavy Diesel Service Technician Program will be eligible for more training through internships at the company’s Jefferson, Norcross, Austell, Forrest Park and McDonough facilities.
Founded in 1974 by Thomas B. Reynolds, Peach State Freightliner is the largest freightliner truck dealer in Georgia. Its operations, which include a 62,000 square foot facility in Jefferson and a parts warehouse in Doraville, are complemented by certified technicians with multiple accreditations and an experienced and knowledgeable sales staff.
“Peach State Freightliner is proud to partner with Gwinnett Technical College and Daimler Trucks North America on this student initiative,” said Rick Reynolds, CEO of Peach State Truck Centers, LLC. “While the heavy-duty truck industry is currently seeing unprecedented growth, there is a critical shortage of technicians. With this partnership we look forward to bringing Gwinnett Tech’s Diesel Program graduates into our industry, and with the added advantage of possessing a Daimler web-based training certificate, training on Detroit engines as well as Daimler electrical systems.”
Gwinnett Tech’s Heavy Diesel Service Technician Program is a 33-credit hour certificate level curriculum that provides training in both the theory and diagnosis of basic systems found on diesel engines and heavy equipment. A full-time student should be able to complete the program in one year, including a 180-hour internship that is required to graduate.