Dionicio Lopez’s path to becoming a Master Technician began six years ago when he traded his truck mechanic job for a career at Motor Coach Industries (MCI).
Today, Lopez stands among an elite group of mechanics who have earned the highest honor from MCI Academy, the industry’s only training program for bus and motorcoach technicians accredited by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
“To earn the Master Technician diploma, students must demonstrate expertise in every system onboard an MCI coach, which requires a significant amount of time and effort,” said Scott Crawford, Technical Training Manager, MCI Academy. “Completing the entire program requires a total of 11 weeks of in-person instruction in Louisville, in addition to online coursework, and can easily take three to five years to finish.”
For Lopez, the journey was worth the effort.
“The HVAC classes helped me the most,” said Lopez, who has worked in the MCI Dallas Service Center for over six years. “Prior to completing the MCI Academy HVAC program, I would have struggled with getting my EPA certifications, but after completing the Academy classes, there was no chance of me failing. Thank you to my Academy instructors, William ‘Gator’ Pryne and Terry Bowersox, for the passion they put into their teaching.”
2025 class schedule released
Lopez’s achievement comes as MCI Academy announces its 2025 class schedule, offering monthly in-person training at its National Training Center in Louisville and a variety of online courses. The academy’s mission is to provide top-tier technical education that ensures fleet reliability, passenger safety, and operator profitability.
MCI Academy offers progressive training levels, ranging from introductory to advanced courses. It also provides a five-year Motorcoach Technician Apprenticeship for new mechanics, continuing education for experienced technicians, and certifications leading to specialist and Master Technician diplomas.
“MCI Academy is part of the value-add MCI brings to our customers, supporting the lifespan of an operator’s fleet by enhancing the knowledge and skills of their maintenance teams,” Crawford said. “MCI uses the Academy to upskill our own technicians and technical staff, expanding their proficiency for more coach systems.”
MCI Academy’s comprehensive curriculum has earned recognition, including ASE’s Excellence in Training Grand Award for five consecutive years, from 2017 to 2021.
The Master Technician program includes three levels of technician certificates and two specialist diplomas. Each step builds on foundational skills, culminating in advanced training for critical systems.
For more information on MCI Academy or to register for a class, visit MCIAcademy.com.
