Hundreds of high school students exploring in-demand careers will have an opportunity to go behind the wheel of big rigs and other construction equipment at Ferris State University’s upcoming Diesel Days program. 

Planned for Wednesday, Oct. 11, and Thursday, Oct. 12, Diesel Days is a collaboration with Alta Equipment Company. The event includes tours of Ferris State’s Heavy Equipment Center, a classroom experience, breakout sessions, lunch on campus and interactive opportunities in the service bays and tent. There is also an open house for all Ferris students and the public on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Our placement rates and starting salaries for graduates are certainly a reason for any student, in high school or here at Ferris, to get to know more about us,” Heavy Equipment Service Technology Program Coordinator Dan Meyers said.

Meyers, an associate professor in Ferris State’s College of Engineering Technology, said 2023’s Diesel Days will be the largest presentation yet.

“We will set up a 40x120-foot tent outside the Heavy Equipment Center as this year’s displays move beyond static trucks and equipment to a more interactive guest experience for our growing audience,” Meyers said. “Throughout the building and event space, there will be College of Engineering Technology departments and programs doing student outreach. We will have an Automotive Technology tire-changing challenge and participation from many industry partners, ready to show how this study area can lead to career success in their fields.”

Ferris’ Heavy Equipment Service Technology degree is the only Bachelor of Science program in the nation, Meyers noted. He further noted program leaders stress that point to a larger Michigan audience.

“There are school districts and regional training centers that have participated in Diesel Days each year it has been offered. We always reach out to many career centers and high schools,” Meyers said. “From Traverse City to Dowagiac, schools have joined us in the past, there are students from the east side of the state, regularly enrolling who know of our program through word of mouth and our reputation.

Meyers is also excited about Detroit area outreach.

“We are very encouraged about the prospects to give southeastern Michigan full exposure to all that we offer,” he said.