Discovery Days at Lake Area Technical College give juniors and sophomores a firsthand look at life inside a diesel technology program. Rather than taking a simple campus tour, students step directly into the classroom and shop to experience a real morning in the program.
In partnership with our sister companies, Valley Plains Equipment, and Kibble Equipment, we host this event to give students clarity about their future. Together, our teams want students to see what this career path actually demands — and what it can offer in return.
A Morning That Reflects Real Student Life
Discovery Days run from 8:00 a.m. to noon. During that time, each visiting student pairs with a current diesel tech student and follows their schedule from start to finish. Because of this one-on-one setup, visitors experience the pace and expectations of the program without filters.
If the class focuses on theory that day, participants join the classroom session. There, they hear instructors break down systems and explain how components interact. As a result, they begin to understand how technical knowledge supports diagnostic work.
On shop-focused days, however, the experience shifts to the lab floor. In that setting, students observe job sheets in progress, equipment mid-repair, and hands-on troubleshooting. Instead of watching from a distance, they stand beside active projects and see how instructors guide problem-solving in real time.
Consequently, nothing feels staged or rehearsed. Instead, the morning unfolds naturally, just as it would for any enrolled student.
Connecting Classroom Learning to Shop Work
Diesel technology requires both technical understanding and practical skill. For that reason, Discovery Days intentionally expose students to both environments.
Inside the classroom, instructors explain systems, schematics, and diagnostic processes. Meanwhile, in the shop, students apply that information directly to equipment. Because visitors witness both sides in a single morning, they see how theory and application work together.
That connection often shifts perspective. Juniors and sophomores still shape their academic paths; therefore, early exposure helps them make smarter course decisions. In addition, it gives them time to prepare for potential next steps.
Lunch, Questions, and Clear Direction
At 11:00 a.m., the group gathers for a sit-down lunch with recruiters. During this time, conversations turn toward opportunity and expectations.
We explain how the TechKnowledge program works. We outline the steps students must take to receive consideration. Furthermore, we answer questions about internships, career growth, and long-term paths within our dealerships.
Rather than delivering a sales pitch, we focus on transparency. Students ask direct questions, and we provide straightforward answers. By the end of the morning, they leave with a clearer understanding of both the commitment and the reward.
Ultimately, Discovery Days remove uncertainty. For any junior or sophomore considering diesel technology, this experience provides direction, confidence, and a realistic view of what comes next.
