JAXPORT-donated engines help area students train for the future

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2015) – Students enrolled in a diesel technology program at a Jacksonville-based career institute are getting hands-on training, thanks to JAXPORT’s donation of two used diesel engines.  Jones Technical Institute (J-Tech) is a non-profit educational institution training graduates in the skills needed to land in-demand careers in the automotive and transportation industries.

The donated Caterpillar engines are scrap parts from equipment at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal. J-Tech students disassembled the engines before reconditioning them to factory specifications. The previously inoperable engines are now running like new and are used as models to help teach students how to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair complex engine parts.

J-Tech’s training laboratory uses donated equipment and spare parts to allow students to practice fixing and maintaining diesel-powered equipment of all types, including power generating marine equipment, semi-tractors, heavy-construction equipment, and more.

“Hands-on learning provides invaluable experience for students.” says Jim Baird, J-Tech Director of Education. “We are very grateful to JAXPORT for demonstrating this commitment to J-Tech and the next generation of service technicians who will help keep the transportation industry moving forward well into the future.”

For more information about J-Tech programs, provide employment opportunities to students or to donate equipment, visit www.jtech.org.