Kirkwood + Manatt’s Partnership

Through a partnership with Kirkwood Community College’s Diesel Technologies program, students recently completed part of their final project on a 2003 Sterling LT9501 Roll Back truck, performing a major engine overhaul and mechanical repairs. Throughout the semester, students worked through real diagnostics and repairs, gaining hands-on experience that connected classroom learning to the work they will encounter in the field.

For Manatt’s, the partnership was an opportunity to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals while strengthening relationships within the industry and local communities. By providing equipment for the project, our team helped create a learning experience that gave students real responsibility, practical problem-solving opportunities, and valuable exposure to the diesel industry.

The impact of projects like this is reflected in the confidence and growth students gain throughout the experience. As Lead Diesel Truck Instructor Lance Dvorak shared, “This type of project is exactly what prepares students for the industry. They can learn in a controlled environment, make mistakes, and actually understand how things work before they step into the field.”

Students echoed that same sentiment. One student shared, “I’ve never ripped apart an engine before coming here. Now I can take one apart and put it back together. It just clicked how everything works once I actually got to see it.” Experiences like this help bridge the gap between learning and doing while building confidence that carries forward into future careers.

From Manatt’s perspective, the partnership also created value beyond the classroom. Travis Scott, Truck Shop Manager, noted, “The students were professional, engaged, and not afraid to ask questions. This project not only supported their learning, but it also created real value for us and helped build a relationship we can continue to grow.”

Partnerships like this are a strong example of Human Potential in action, creating opportunities for growth, learning, and long-term success for students, industry partners, and the communities we serve.