Butte College
News Announcement

Renovation of Skyway Center Underway

New Automotive Diesel Technology Lab To Be Added

Butte College’s first Measure J construction project includes a 6,000 square foot remodel at the Skyway Center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico. The project will house a new automotive diesel program, creating a classroom, a large diesel lab with five vehicle automotive lifts, and two faculty offices. The project will be completed in August prior to classes beginning for fall semester. The construction project was awarded to Slater & Son, who is utilizing over 79 percent in local subcontractors for this $1.3 million project. Rainforth Grau Architects of Sacramento designed the space to include a state-of-the-art mechanical system and a soundproofing system to eliminate noise and airflow from the diesel program for adjacent classrooms. Construction also includes demolition of interior walls, updated exterior elevations, installation of smart classroom equipment, auto lifts, and an upgraded mechanical system.

It was clear for many years that there was a need for training in the area of diesel technology.
 
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer a new Butte College diesel technology program to provide students the training needed to service diesel powered vehicles and machinery. This training comes at an opportune time as diesel emission regulations continue to change in California and the technology used to control them becomes more sophisticated,” said Rob Holt, Butte College Automotive Department Chair.
 
The two year diesel technology program will provide training that covers the diagnostic procedures and scan tools used to diagnose computer controlled diesel engines and electronic shift transmissions. Chassis classes will cover antilock brakes, air brakes, and suspension systems, mobile refrigeration, air conditioning and mobile hydraulics. The Automotive Department has partnered with the Welding Department so students who graduate from the program have training in the use of oxyacetylene welding and flame cutting along with shielded metal arc welding. All of the classes offered come through guidance received from our industry partners. Students will spend 4 hours a day Monday through Friday with 3 of those hours in a hands-on lab. The lab layout will resemble that of a production repair facility and will be outfitted with the tools and equipment the student can expect to see and use working in the industry.
 
Holt said the goal of the Butte College diesel technology program is to provide students with the employable skills needed to be successful in facilities that diagnose and repair diesel powered vehicles and machinery. California employment data lists Industrial machinery mechanics as one of the “top 100 fastest growing occupations in California for the years 2014 to 2024” with an expected 25.4 percent increase in jobs over the 10 year span with bus and truck mechanics locally expecting a 20 percent increase in jobs over the same time.
 
Funding for the project was made possible from Measure J, the $190 million general obligation bond approved by voters in 2016.