Medco has been approved to to spend more than $170,000 for two mobile diesel engine training modules for TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program. (TSTC photo)

The Marshall City Commission recently approved the Marshall Economic Development Corp. (MEDCO) request to spend more than $170,000 for two mobile diesel engine training modules for Texas State Technical College's Diesel Equipment Technology program.

"The equipment is the most modern equipment available that complies with all the emission regulatory entities," said Donna Maisel, MEDCO's executive director. "This equipment is not available just anywhere. Having the equipment in Marshall is significantly unique. We are at the forefront of training for this program, which could be accomplished through the partnerships."

The equipment will be housed at TSTC and used by students. The equipment also can be taken to area recruitment events or used for workforce training.

"This will help our students get the troubleshooting experience needed to be comfortable working with this new technology," said Brandon Ogden, an instructor in TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program in Marshall. "Emission standards are changing fast and are here to stay. This new technology will put TSTC at the front lines of the diesel world."

TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program is one of Workforce Solutions East Texas' targeted career areas, according to information from MEDCO. Workforce Solutions predicts a 20.6 percent increase in diesel occupations through 2026 in the East Texas workforce development area. Some of the jobs are in farm equipment repair and bus and truck maintenance, according to MEDCO.

"Diesel equipment is used in almost every sector of the economy," Maisel said. "It will continue to grow as well. As most of the labor force is of mature, experienced individuals, interest in this field is vital. Training new people to be able to fill positions as there is a turnover through retirements, etc., will support that growing need."

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

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