Based at its Irving, Texas campus, the program has steadily built a pipeline of trained technicians to support Peterbilt dealers and fleets across North America. The latest graduating class represents years of ongoing investment in technician education at a time when the industry continues to face a critical skills shortage.

“Reaching our 150th graduating class is more than a milestone; it highlights our steady support in preparing the next generation of qualified service technicians,” said Danny Landholm, Peterbilt director of dealer network development. “Our graduates are trained not only to service and maintain today’s most sophisticated trucks but also to adapt as technology evolves.”

Supporting the Trucks Drivers Rely On

For drivers and fleet operators, the quality of maintenance behind the scenes directly affects uptime, safety, and operating costs. PTI was created specifically to address the growing need for technicians who understand modern trucks and the technologies built into them.

Since its launch, the institute has focused on producing technicians who are ready to step into dealership service bays with hands-on experience rather than just textbook knowledge. The program has grown into one of the leading diesel technology training pathways tied directly to a major OEM dealer network.

The milestone reached in Texas reflects more than just the number of classes completed. It highlights Peterbilt’s long-term commitment to supporting its dealer network with technicians capable of working on increasingly complex vehicles.

Training Built for Today’s Equipment

PTI’s curriculum blends classroom instruction with real-world application. Students train on current Peterbilt equipment while earning factory-level certifications designed to match what they will see on the job.

According to PTI, instruction covers advanced systems that are becoming standard across fleets, including alternative fuel platforms, electric powertrain diagnostics, and telematics technology. This approach helps ensure graduates are prepared for both today’s trucks and the changes already coming to the industry.

“Upon completing the program, students earn factory-trained technician credentials that can help fast-track their careers at more than 430 Peterbilt dealerships across the United States and Canada,” PTI said.

A Direct Pipeline Into the Industry

For industry stakeholders, the value of programs like PTI extends beyond individual graduates. Each class helps stabilize dealership service operations and supports fleet reliability nationwide. For drivers, it means better-trained technicians maintaining the equipment they depend on every day.

As trucking technology continues to advance, the need for skilled technicians who can diagnose, repair, and adapt will only increase. The graduation of PTI’s 150th class signals both how far the program has come and how critical technician development remains to the future of trucking.

Those interested in learning more about the Peterbilt Technician Institute and its training opportunities can find additional details through PTI here.

Source: The Trucker

The post Peterbilt Technician Institute Marks 150 Graduating Classes as Demand for Skilled Technicians Grows appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For McConnell, the win did not happen overnight. It came after years of learning the competition and refining his approach.

Learning the Rodeo One Year at a Time

McConnell first competed in the Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo in 2023. He did not place, but the experience left a strong impression. Rather than seeing the outcome as a setback, he focused on understanding how the event worked and what judges were looking for.

He returned in 2024, competing in San Antonio. Once again, he did not place, but the second appearance gave him a clearer view of the Rodeo’s structure and scoring. Beyond fixing the truck, success depended on following procedures precisely and communicating each step of the process to the judges.

That trip also marked a personal milestone. McConnell got engaged on the Riverwalk, adding even more motivation heading into his next attempt.

Everything Comes Together in Nashville

Coming into his third Rodeo appearance in Nashville, McConnell set a realistic goal. He wanted to make the finals. With his fiancé cheering him on and his wedding just weeks away, McConnell leaned on everything he had learned from previous competitions.

This time, it all clicked.

McConnell captured the Medium-Duty, Peterbilt, and Medium-Duty Grand Championship titles, then was named the all-around Grand Champion at the 20th anniversary Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo, held Tuesday at the Gaylord Opryland.

“It feels amazing. I never would have thought” it possible, McConnell said.

Training and Staying Current Made the Difference

McConnell credited his performance not only to prior Rodeo experience but also to the work he has put into staying current throughout his career. Keeping up with new systems, procedures, and manufacturer guidance played a major role in his success.

“This is why it’s so important to make sure that you’re reading up on all the new stuff, studying up on all the new information and keeping up on everything new,” he said. “The biggest thing is just read, read, read. Absorb that knowledge so that when you’re working on a truck, you’re not just taking a guess. You’re taking an educated guess based on what you know from the information [from the manufacturer].”

For technicians, that mindset mirrors real-world shop conditions, where accurate diagnostics depend on understanding evolving technology rather than relying on instinct alone.

Showing the Work, Not Just the Result

During the two-day competition, McConnell focused on an area that had held him back in the past. While he had always been able to diagnose and repair the truck, he had not consistently communicated his process to the judges.

That changed this year.

“You know, the first couple times I came here, I was focused more on fixing the truck as fast as possible rather than following the procedures correctly,” he said. “These procedures are ingrained in my mind by now, but I needed to make sure the judge knew that I knew them. So this year I made sure to just tell him every single thing I was doing and I guess it worked out.”

That attention to procedure and transparency proved to be the difference.

Recognition and Results

As all-around Grand Champion, McConnell earned $18,500 in total cash and prizes, a timely bonus with his wedding less than three weeks away.

“Got a little extra spending money now,” he said.

McConnell was recognized during the awards ceremony alongside Rush Enterprises Chairman, President, and CEO Rusty Rush, as well as Clint Bowyer.

2025 Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo Winners

More than 2,700 technicians completed over 4,600 qualifying tests ahead of this year’s event, with more than 220 competitors advancing to Nashville. Approximately 800 people attended the awards ceremony Tuesday evening.

Nearly $300,000 in cash and prizes were awarded this year, bringing total prize money distributed over the Rodeo’s 20-year history to $3.5 million.

Grand Champions

• Heavy-Duty Service: Nat Dixon, Rush Truck Centers – Joplin
• Medium-Duty Service: Dom McConnell, Rush Truck Centers – Orlando South
• Parts: Eric Valenzuela, Rush Truck Centers – Joliet
• Aftermarket Sales: Ryan Summers, Rush Truck Centers – Denver
• Truck Sales: Steven Nace, Rush Truck Centers – Smyrna

Reserve Grand Champions

• Heavy-Duty Service: Paul Crawford, Rush Truck Centers – Haines City
• Medium-Duty Service: Joe Behrend, Rush Truck Centers – Idaho Falls
• Parts: Aaron Van Straten, Rush Truck Centers – Houston Northwest
• Aftermarket Sales: Francisco Ferrara, Rush Truck Centers – Greeley

What This Win Represents

McConnell’s journey highlights a message that resonates across service departments and fleets. Skill competitions reward more than speed. They reward preparation, adherence to process, and the ability to clearly communicate technical decisions.

For carriers and service organizations, the Tech Skills Rodeo underscores the value of investing in training and giving technicians opportunities to test their skills at a high level. For technicians, McConnell’s third-time win shows how experience and persistence can turn lessons into results.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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