A current Diesel Equipment Technology student competing in the 2022 SkillsUSA Competition, Feb. 2022 / Photo by Beckie Boyd
A current Diesel Equipment Technology student competing in the 2022 SkillsUSA Competition, Feb. 2022 / Photo by Beckie Boyd

Fred Eberle diesel equipment graduate reflects on the program that led to a successful career

This story is part of a series of interviews with former Fred Eberle Technical Center students who talk about their time at the school and where they are today.

BUCKHANNON – Although something may be broken, it is not always beyond repair. One Fred W. Eberle Technical Center graduate recognizes how rewarding it is to bring diesel engines back to life.  

Eddie Pitt, a 2021 graduate of the diesel equipment technology program at FETC, first experienced his interest in diesel technology at an early age.  

“This is something that I’ve been interested in since I was a kid,” Pitt said. “I find it rewarding. You find something broken and make it worthwhile.” 

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is a vocational school that offers students a variety of trade programs. FETC fosters a career-based learning environment for students in North Central West Virginia. 

When it came down to the job search post-graduation, Pitt was quickly able to find a position right here in Upshur County. With the support of his instructor, Charles Smith, Pitt obtained a position with the Upshur County Schools bus garage one month before graduation.  

“[The instructors] really go out of their way to give you everything you need to help you succeed,” Pitt said. “They made sure I got the career I wanted.” 

The FETC diesel equipment technology program is National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) certified. It is a one-year program that operates within the normal academic year. Classes for this program are held on weekdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (However, class times are set by the instructor and are subject to change.) Students can earn hours toward Auto Service Excellence (ASE) certification and the OSHA 10 certification.  

Applications are now open for the diesel equipment technology program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The application deadline for the program is August 15, 2022. Students interested in applying for the FETC Diesel Equipment Technician program are encouraged to call the front office at 304-472-1259 or contact FETC online. The campus is located at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. 

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

Upshur County Courthouse

County approves $11.5-million-dollar budget, which includes several earmarked ARPA-funded projects

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year saw increases in the regional jail bill and increases to PEIA premiums, but commissioners were still able to provide 3 percent raises across elected officials’ departments. Upshur County […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Baseball Bucs improve to 3-0 with 17-7 win over North Marion

TENNERTON – Three games, three 10-run mercy rule victories. The season couldn’t be off to a better start for Buckhannon-Upshur head baseball coach Adam Squires and his Buccaneers after downing the North Marion Huskies by a 17-7 score in five […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Bucs pick up first win defeating St. Albans late, 6-5

ST. ALBANS – The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneer lacrosse team rallied in the second half for a 6-5 victory over the homestanding St. Albans Dragons Thursday night. It was the first victory of the year for the Bucs as they improved to […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Lady Bucs fall in debut to University, 15-7

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc lacrosse team dropped their season opener to University by a 15-7 score Wednesday evening at Freal “Red” Crites Memorial Stadium. Kendall Defibaugh led the Buckhannon-Upshur scoring attack with three goals while Maya Garcia contributed […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lady Buc netters edged by Minutemaids, 4-3

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc tennis team was oh so close to picking up a home win against the Lewis County Minutemaids in a 4-3 setback Wednesday evening at the West Virginia Wesleyan courts. After doubles action, the Lady […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES