Photo: Jeff Gardner, director, LLCC diesel technologies program; Nick Stafford, talent acquisition lead, JX Enterprises, Inc.; Jarried Knoll, service manager, JX Truck Center-Bloomington; and Josh Collins, assistant vice president, business relations, LLCC with a Cummins ISX15 engine donated to LLCC as a teaching tool by JX Truck Center-Bloomington.

JX Truck Center-Bloomington has donated a Cummins ISX15 engine to LLCC for use in its new diesel technologies program.

The engine will serve as a hands-on teaching tool for students as they prepare for careers in the high-demand, high-wage diesel service industry.

“JX Truck Center-Bloomington appreciates our strong relationship with LLCC in helping aspiring service technicians receive the education and training they need to serve the future needs of the industry,” said Jarried Knoll, service manager at JX Truck Center-Bloomington. “Skilled, well-trained technicians are essential to JX Enterprises’ dealer network and most importantly, its customers.”

LLCC diesel technologies program director Jeff Gardner said students will benefit from this donation. “The Cummins ISX engine donated by JX Truck Center represents the latest in diesel engine technology. Our students will benefit greatly from the hands-on experiences gained working on this engine.”

Nick Stafford, talent acquisition lead for JX Enterprises, Inc. commented, “Jeff Gardner has earned a reputation in the Midwest for producing some of the best entry-level technicians for our industry. He knows how to teach and prepare students for high-paying jobs in this demanding field. With Jeff’s experience and guidance, I’m confident LLCC’s new diesel program will produce a quality employee to support their industry partners for many years to come.”

LLCC’s Workforce Institute continues to make preparations to welcome students to the diesel technologies two-year associate degree program in fall of 2023. More information on the program is available by contacting Gardner at jeffrey.gardner@llcc.edu or 217-786-2239.