Cherriots And Chemeketa Strengthen Partnership To Power The Next Generation Of Diesel Technicians (Photo) - 03/12/26

A continuing collaboration that connects classroom learning with real-world experience at Cherriots.

SALEM, OR – (March 12, 2026)  — Cherriots continues to advance its enduring partnership with Chemeketa Community College’s Diesel Technology Program, working together to foster technical education and strengthen the region’s skilled workforce.

“Cherriots is proud to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Chemeketa Community College by investing in the skilled technicians who will power the future of public transit. From parts donations and shop tours to upcoming career workshops, these initiatives help build a stronger workforce that benefits the District, our students, and the entire Mid-Willamette Valley” said Maria Hinojos Pressey, Cherriots Board President.

This ongoing collaboration connects students with hands-on learning experiences, donated equipment, and direct connections to potential employers in the transit industry. Recently, Cherriots provided Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program with several key components including Allison transmissions, steering gearboxes, and a rear axle that will be used in classroom labs to help students understand, dismantle, and rebuild real transit vehicle systems.

“These parts allow students to learn on the same equipment they’ll encounter in the field,” said Kevin Ruby, instructor for Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Program. “They’ll study how each system works, conduct failure analysis, and practice the skills that prepare them for today’s high-tech diesel jobs.”

Cherriots Maintenance Manager, Zach Leeth serves on Chemeketa’s Diesel Technology Advisory Committee, providing real-world insights on emerging maintenance technologies, such as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion systems.

“Our partnership bridges education and industry,” Leeth said. “It helps students build their skills while showing them that careers in public transit maintenance are rewarding, stable, and essential to keeping our communities moving.”

This partnership has already led to meaningful experiences, including a May tour where second-year Diesel Technology students visited the Cherriots maintenance shop for an up-close look at transit operations. Students explored vehicle lifts, fluid delivery systems, and electric bus charging infrastructure, gaining insight into how modern maintenance teams support a diverse and sustainable fleet.

Upcoming Career Workshop

Cherriots Human Resources, Chemeketa Community College, and WorkSource Oregon will host a Maintenance Shop Industry Workshop on March 18, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at WorkSource Oregon Salem Center (hybrid format available).

The event targets job applicants for Cherriots maintenance roles and career changers interested in diesel or automotive programs at Chemeketa.

Registration is required via Eventbrite: Maintenance Industry Hybrid Workshop - WorkSource Salem

About Cherriots
 

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

About Chemeketa Community College
 

For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.