David Gordon, Executive Director of the Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA), visited the Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) Diesel Technology shop April 4 to award Caleb Tripp, a student at SIC, with a $5,000 scholarship. The scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in the diesel technology field.
Gordon, speaking on behalf of IEDA, emphasized the association’s commitment to fostering talent in the industry.
He remarked, “Our mission is to support independent used equipment dealers and companies worldwide by providing resources, education, and fostering ethical business practices. We all need technicians in this industry.”
Gordon continued. “Scholarships to deserving students is our way of giving back as an association and supporting the future of the industry.”
Joining Gordon was Jared Hayes, general manager of Troy’s Tech Repair in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, a family-owned business, and one of the companies affiliated with IEDA that offers internships and potential job opportunities to graduates. Troy’s Tech Repair is known for its dedication to providing quality service in the Greater St. Louis area, specializing in hydraulic repairs and demolition.
Gordon highlighted Tripp’s achievement, noting, “Caleb filled out the application in great detail and ranked number two out of 27 candidates across the nation.”
Hayes shared insights into the opportunities available at Troy’s Tech Repair, emphasizing their commitment to providing competitive wages, benefits, and a supportive work environment for employees. He expressed pride in the company’s growth and emphasized their dedication to nurturing talent in the industry.
Tripp expressed gratitude for the scholarship, and when asked about future plans, he said, “The end goal is to open up my own business, but I’m sure I’ll start with somebody to get experience first.”
A member of the Diesel Technology Club at SIC, Tripp graduated from Morganfield High School in Kentucky in May 2023. He is currently enrolled in the SIC Diesel Technology program for Heavy Equipment and is slated to graduate in May 2025.
The SIC Diesel Technology programs, located in Harrisburg, Illinois, offers comprehensive training in heavy equipment and heavy-duty truck maintenance and repair. With caring and experienced faculty that are all master certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, SIC’s program prepares students for success in the diesel technology field.
The scholarship awarded to Caleb Tripp is part of IEDA’s ongoing efforts to support students pursuing careers in the diesel technology field. With a focus on education and mentorship, IEDA aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience. Scholarship applications open each year around September. For more information about IEDA, please visit iedagroup.com or contact Gordon at [email protected].
To learn more about the SIC Diesel Technology program, visit sic.edu/diesel. Registration is currently open for summer and fall classes. To register, contact an advisor by emailing [email protected] or call 618-252-5400, ext. 4130.
