NCTA Alum Shares Career Journey as a Diesel Technician with Current Students
Christopher Keane, a 2023 graduate of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, returned to campus recently to speak with students about his career as an automotive and diesel mechanic for the State of Nebraska. Chris grew up in the mountain town of Paradise, California, and now works for the Department of Transportation, where he maintains and repairs trucks, heavy equipment, and essential transportation machinery that keeps Nebraska moving.
Chris first found NCTA while studying at Butte Community College in Oroville, California. He was exploring mechanized systems programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln when he realized he wanted an education that offered more hands-on learning and direct industry connection. That decision led him to Curtis for the two-year Agriculture Production Systems degree with an emphasis in Agriculture Equipment Management, along with his Reinke pivot Irrigation Certification.
He told students that NCTA stood out because of its strong relationships with industry partners. Those connections provided him with opportunities to meet professionals, complete internships, and work in the field before graduation. Chris completed multiple internships in the mechanics field and earned several credentials, including John Deere certification, irrigation certification, and a Heavy Equipment Technician certification.
Some of his favorite memories from NCTA included traveling to industry sites, participating in hands-on learning, and the sense of community among students and faculty. He emphasized that the people he met at NCTA helped shape his career path and provided support long after graduation.
During his presentation, Chris explained the important role diesel technicians play in agriculture, construction, and transportation. He walked students through a typical workday, from diagnosing electrical issues to repairing brakes, injectors, clutches, and hydraulic systems. He also highlighted the growing demand for skilled technicians and the satisfaction that comes from solving problems that keep essential equipment running.
Chris shared that soft skills, such as communication, patience, and teamwork, have been just as important as mechanical knowledge in his career. He encouraged students to work hard, try new equipment types, take on challenging projects, and remember that every mistake is part of learning. His message to students was simple: “If you think you are working hard, work harder. There is always someone watching who sees you putting in the work, and in the end, it will be worth it.”
Chris’s visit gave current NCTA students a real look at the opportunities available in the equipment and diesel industries, and how hands-on education can launch a rewarding career.