Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) recently donated four diesel engines to the Franklin County Career and Technology Center’s Diesel and Agricultural Mechanics programs that are part of the Chambersburg Transportation Academy.

The diesel engines are the same type found in many Volvo CE machines. The mechanics programs at FCCTC trains students in repair and service of diesel engines and heavy equipment. The hands-on experience is crucial to prepare students for real-world situations they will encounter on the job.

The donated diesel power plants are of two different varieties. One is a six-cylinder, 360 HP engine typically used in large asphalt compactors and large soil compactors. The second type is a three-cylinder, 125 hp, engine used in small compactors.

“Students who go through this program are employable when they leave this school, thanks in part to the hands-on instruction they receive,” says Keith Yohn, administrative director at FCCTC. “Volvo CE is providing the latest technology so our students break into the job market with a clear advantage. Simulated training has its benefits, but work on the actual equipment is priceless.”

Volvo administrators say gifts such as the engines provide students an opportunity for value real-world training.

“Volvo CE sees supporting FCCTC as an opportunity to be a strong partner in educating and preparing future employees,” said Sean Glennon, vice president of Volvo CE Operations in Shippensburg “These engines will give students first-hand training on equipment they will work with after graduation, which gives them a leg-up when entering the workforce.”

The donated engines have a value of $34,000.

This isn’t the first partnership between Volvo CE and FCCTC. In 2011, Volvo CE donated $50,000 to help provide a new training program, equipment and assistance with curriculum design and instructor training. Volvo has also donated a forklift with telescoping boom for use in training, and participation in the co-op program.

FCCTC understands the benefit of donations goes well beyond just the actual dollar value.

“We truly value our partnership with Volvo Construction Equipment,” says Yohn. “Because of donations from Volvo CE we are able to offer the right tools and training to help prepare students for high-priority occupations. Volvo CE is helping support the community as a whole, not just students, by sharing their technology and expertise.”

Volvo spokeswoman Meg Dameron says several FCCTC graduates have been hired at Shippensburg’s Volvo plant, particularly in the welding and assembly shops where skills learned at FCCTC are of particular value.