Diesel Advanced Technology Education (D.A.T.E.)

The Diesel Advanced Technology Education (DATE) Program offers an ASE/NATEF based comprehensive training in diesel technology. Graduates will have the ability to diagnose, trouble-shoot and repair light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks including diesel engines, suspension & steering, drive train components that include transmissions and axles, brakes, preventive maintenance inspection, electrical/electronic systems, heating, and ventilation and air conditioning. These skills will be taught in classroom and laboratory settings that replicate real work environments. The DATE program has a specialty focus on manufacture specific training for Volvo and Mack trucks, preparing graduates to earn Volvo/Mack certifications.

The DATE program is your path to becoming an elite-level technician. This is the most advanced diesel training at J-Tech, designed for top performers. You’ll train on an industry-supported curriculum built and backed by Volvo and Mack, designed to reflect real dealership and fleet environments, and recognized by employers nationwide. J-Tech is one of only three schools in the entire country trusted by Volvo and Mack to offer the Diesel Advanced Technical Education Program.

You’ll go beyond entry-level expectations by training on advanced systems, drivetrains, and complex diagnostics. Upon graduation, you’ll earn master technician status, positioning you for higher-level opportunities sooner.

Once you’ve completed the program and earned your associate’s degree in Diesel Technology, you’ll be eligible to apply to our Diesel Advanced Technology Education Program. Graduating from the D.A.T.E. program signals advanced training and helps you stand out as a higher value candidate to employers. Some employer partners report pay differentials of 20%.

• Save 30 hours of training for new techs
• Up to 50% faster path to master-level status
• Up to 20% higher pay out the door
• Selective. Required 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance
• Core diesel systems + advanced platforms
• OAD + manufacturer-recognized credential
• Volvo & Mack dedicated workshops
• Advanced diagnostics & complex systems
• 500+ hrs Volvo & Mack training
• Volvo & Mack Technical Professional Certificate

Quick facts: industry-recognized course certification; curriculum designed and taught by Volvo/Mack professionals; increased job opportunities across the U.S. and Mexico; and fully functioning Volvo and Mack labs for realistic, hands-on training.

This is an elite-level, prestigious program; so it’s selective, not automatic. Applicants must hold an associate degree in Automotive or Diesel Technology, maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, uphold a 90% attendance rate and complete program pre-screening.

The Institute will determine an applicant's eligibility on the basis of educational background, personal interview, and commitment to becoming a working graduate. All applicants must complete a background check prior to the start of classes.

Academic hours of operation for class instruction are Monday–Friday, 7:30 A.M.–5:30 P.M., and Monday–Thursday, 6:00 P.M.–10:40 P.M. Jones Technical Institute reserves the right to change the days and hours of operation.

Work While in School: our students attend classes 2 ½ days per week. Work in Jacksonville or work in your hometown. J-Tech’s class schedules are designed to allow students the ability to work in their chosen field while going to school.

Each quarter term is 11 weeks. Upcoming terms begin January 11, 2027, April 5, 2027, June 28, 2027 and September 27, 2027.

Tuition and fees (2026-2027 catalog).

• Tuition: $49,245 ($469 per credit hour, 105 credit hours)
• Workshop fees: $890.40 ($10.60 per technical credit hour)
• Estimated courseware: $1,391
• Total: $51,526.40

Textbooks. Textbook costs are estimated in the total above and are subject to change without notice.

Courseware may be purchased from the Institute or from an outside provider. The institution will not increase tuition for students who maintain continuous enrollment; students who withdraw and re-enter at a later date are subject to the most current tuition rate.

Application fee. A $25 non-refundable application fee applies to technology programs.

Financial aid. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Jones Technical Institute participates in a variety of financial aid programs supported by the U.S. Department of Education, including the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Subsidized/Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford/PLUS Loans. Individuals interested in applying for financial aid must meet with a Financial Aid Officer at the campus and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); J-Tech’s FAFSA school code is 016907.

Florida Department of Education. Scholarships available include the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans or Children of Servicemen Classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action Scholarship.

Payment plans. J-Tech’s Financial Services Team offers flexible payment plans designed to fit your budget so you can focus on training instead of worrying about bills.

Military and veterans. Veterans may qualify for the GI Bill® or Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Additional benefits for those who qualify include the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Survivors and Dependents Assistance, the Fry Scholarship and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).

Scholarships. J-Tech scholarships for degree programs include the “J-Tech High School” Scholarship ($1,000 for one senior at each participating high school), the “Driving Futures Forward” Scholarship ($2,800 for high school seniors in a recognized Career and Technical Education program), the NAPA and Publix employee scholarships, and the Industry Matching Scholarship (up to $3,000 in matching funds). Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Net Price Calculator. Estimate your net price with J-Tech’s Net Price Calculator.

The DATE program combines diesel technician training with Volvo/Mack curriculum preparing graduates for entry level positions with Volvo and Mack trucks. Volvo and Mack only offer this program to three institutions in the nation; with this program, students save approximately 30 hours of training for new technicians and decrease time to achieve master-level status by up to 50%.

Graduation and employment rates. The following graduation and employment rates are reported annually to the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The rates were reported in October 2025.

• Diesel Advanced Technology Education (D.A.T.E) (students who started April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022): 5 students started and are eligible for graduation; 3 graduated, a 60% graduation rate. Of 3 graduates eligible for employment, 3 are employed in their field of study, a 100% employment rate.

Wages are determined by employers and market conditions, but often our partner employers pay up to 20% more out of the program compared to the standard Diesel Tech program.