PepsiCo and Noregon Donate Equipment to SIC Diesel Tech Program

PepsiCo and Noregon have teamed up to donate the JPRO Professional with Fault Guidance Diagnostic Software Equipment to Southeastern Illinois College for use in the Diesel Technology program. 

The equipment, worth $6,616, is used for electrical diagnostics, and is what professionals, like PepsiCo, use in the field. It also provides guidance and shop manuals for repairs. Knowledge and certification on the use of such equipment aids in preparing graduates for jobs.

The donation is part of a bigger partnership between Noregon and SIC. SIC will enroll in the Noregon Education Program and each student will be provided with a demo license and access to the certification course at no additional charge. Students will also be eligible to apply for Noregon scholarships, and upon graduation, the students will have the option to purchase discounted hardware and software by Noregon.

PepsiCo aided in the donation connecting Noregon, based in Greenville, North Carolina, and SIC because PepsiCo uses this machine for maintenance of their own fleet.

PepsiCo fleet manager Brett Lycans was present for the donation on April 21, and spoke to the SIC diesel students about the hiring process at PepsiCo. Pepsi MidAmerica in Marion has hired a number of SIC students for fleet maintenance over the years, and continues to foster a great relationship with SIC.

Ed Carpenter, regional sales manager of the upper Midwest and central Canada for Noregon, brought in the new equipment to be donated and demonstrated how it works to the students and instructors.

Robbie Lindhorst, diesel technology instructor at SIC, is thankful to PepsiCo for bringing SIC and Noregon together. He said the equipment will be used for training current and future diesel tech students in electrical system diagnostics and maintenance. 

“The students will benefit from this donation because it will prepare them to operate these state-of-the-art tools that are being used in the field right now,” said Lindhorst. “Companies that utilize the kinds of software and hardware sold by Noregon look for workers who are well-versed in how the equipment operates, which will give our students a leg up on the job search. We’re excited for this opportunity for our students and thankful for this new donation and partnership.”

The Diesel Technology program at SIC strives to fill a need in the region for fully capable and well-trained mechanics, and also provides opportunities for students to take the newer PowerSports program. This expands the knowledge of graduates beyond diesel trucks and heavy equipment, and provides a well-rounded education in preparation to work on all kinds of motorized vehicles.

For information about SIC’s diesel technology program, visit www.sic.edu/diesel, email advising@sic.edu or call 618-252-5400, ext. 4130. For a video by instructors explaining all of SIC’s Career and Technical programs, visit www.sic.edu/cte. Registration is underway for fall semester.

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