Diesel Tech Junior Learns On The Job With Albany City

Jacob Newell learns with classmate prior to the school closure in a Capital Region BOCES' diesel tech classroom.
Schoharie junior Jacob Newell (left) is applying what he’s learning in our Diesel Tech program working for the City of Albany’s Heavy Vehicle Repair Shop. (Note: students pictured here are learning in a Capital Region BOCES’ classroom prior to the school closure.)

Though still in junior in high school, Diesel Tech student Jacob Newell is already applying his skills in the Albany City Heavy Vehicle Repair Shop alongside veteran mechanics and equipment operators.

“He is actively involved in the diagnosis and repair of dozers, excavators, tractor trailers, landfill compactors, single dual axel trucks, skid steers, wheel loaders and more” said Joseph Giebelhaus, executive deputy commissioner of the Department of General Services for the City of Albany. Specifically, Newell has worked on International trucks, configurations including waste collection packers, dump truck and bucket trucks, as well as John Deere loaders and Caterpillar D6 dozers, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers.

Career and Technical School Diesel Tech teacher Sam Frink said Newell “is a good kid who is gaining an amazing work experience. Not only has he had an opportunity to practice his vocational skills, but he’s learning from professionals in the field.”

“Working for the City of Albany is fun,” said Newell. “I get to learn a lot about diesel trucks and some of the common parts that break, and the ways to diagnose which part actually has a problem and how to fix it.”