Johnson College Receives Training Equipment from Kenworth Truck Company & PACCAR Engine

Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO; Frank Miller, Vice President at Kenworth of PA; Mark Kozemko, Johnson College Department Chair of Automotive Technology; Tracey Pratt, Johnson College Manager of Development; Willie Hobbs, Service Manager at Kenworth of PA; Tom Szczur, N.E. Region Kenworth Service Manager; Rod Pennington, N.E. Region Kenworth MX Engine District Service Manager; Fred Pope, Kenworth of PA General Manager of Dunmore; Rich Mason, Kenworth of PA Director of Service; and Mike Novak, Johnson College Chief Administrative Officer.

Johnson College has received a brand new Kenworth Engine Trainer to support the Diesel Truck Technology program’s curriculum. The Paccar MX engine, valued at over $53,000 allows students to learn how to rebuild and maintain the PACCAR MX diesel engine. Fred Pope, of Kenworth of PA, said this equipment is important to the Johnson College program and student preparation because “Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks are now around 50% MX engine powered.”

Johnson College and Kenworth of PA have had an ongoing relationship for the last 12 years. Pope said, “It is important for Kenworth of PA to support the college to build entry level technicians and even provide them an opportunity to grow with the company.” As a long time employer and industry partner, Kenworth of PA currently staffs six Johnson College graduates at its Dunmore location.

The Diesel Truck Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventive maintenance, and necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The course prepares students to take the voluntary mechanic certification test (ASE) in heavy-duty trucks. Graduates work as tune-up, brakes, transmission and refrigeration technicians; diesel truck repair and fleet maintenance technicians; service writing technicians; and sales and service representatives.