Centralia College receives diesel technology donation

The Centralia College diesel technology program received a major economic boost when NC Machinery donated $10,000. The National Caterpillar Foundation indicated it will donate an equal amount.

Miles Folks, manager of the Chehalis NC Machinery plant, presented the check to college officials.

"We recognize the diesel technology program at Centralia College as an outstanding training ground for students," said Folks. "We know that this money will be used well to further the education of students."

Money will be used for scholarships for diesel students and to purchase equipment and materials for student use.

"We sincerely appreciate this generous contribution to our diesel program," said Durelle Sullivan, dean of the college’s Workforce Education program. "We continue to benefit from our relationship with NC Machinery, an outstanding organization."

NC Machinery and the national Caterpillar Foundation have donated to the college in past years with contributions that have allowed the diesel tech program to purchase a Freightliner truck, a surplus city transit bus, and a forklift, among other items, all which are being used as training aids for the college’s diesel students.

Folks said that there is an abundance of jobs for diesel technicians and "not enough skilled people to fill those positions. This program is very important to the diesel industry."