Midland College receives Caterpillar G3516C generator for power generation training

Midland College's Advanced Technology Center has taken delivery of a Caterpillar G3516C natural gas generator set, donated to build out the college's power generation training. The unit was parked in front of the center ahead of student use.

Erick Gutierrez, department chair and professor in automation, automotive, diesel, natural gas compression and petroleum energy technology, said the donation extends an existing diesel and natural gas compression program into power generation. Students will train on maintenance and troubleshooting, including diagnosing faults, and will use Caterpillar's proprietary software, he said.

Gutierrez described the equipment as state-of-the-art and drawn from the donor's own fleet. Pete Avalos, dean of the Applied Technology Division, said the collaboration shows industry investment in education and helps develop a talent pipeline.

The practical upshot for shops and plants: technicians entering the field can arrive already familiar with a Caterpillar generator set and its diagnostic software, shortening the ramp-up on similar units in service.