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

Beckie Boyd
April 30, 2022

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.