Heavy Equipment Service Technician

The Heavy Equipment Mechanics (HEM) program focuses on producing technical skill’s as a foundation that will prepare a student to maintain, diagnose and repair all associated heavy equipment systems. In addition, parallel skills associated with Heavy Duty Trucks will be mastered with the objective of successful completion of ASE Certification on T2, T4, T6, and T8 examinations. Students will be able to practice and continue to develop their skills with practical application on current production diesel engines, transmissions, buses and motor grader. They will be proficient using web based service software, ordering parts and creating a reports of service work accomplished.

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of nine occupational completion points. The program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the Heavy Equipment Industry: maintaining and repairing diesel engines and electrical systems; reconditioning diesel fuel injection systems; overhauling diesel engines; and performing diesel engine preventive maintenance. The course content also includes training in communication; leadership; human relations and employability skills; and safe, efficient work practices. Shop and laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.

AREA OF FOCUS

• Technician Helper
• Electric/Electronics
• Engine Rebuild
• Hydraulic System Operation
• Mobile Air Conditioning
• Brakes Systems
• Transmissions
• Welding/Cutting

PORTFOLIO AND COURSE PROJECTS

There are a variety of projects within the nine Occupational Completion Points. Students will need to complete all of the projects in order to satisfy the curriculum requirements for this course.

PROGRAM EXPERIENCES

Shop activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the safe use of tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to being a HEM.  The equipment and supplies in the HEM classroom and shops are provided to enhance the hands-on experiences for students. Included in the classrooms/shops is a classroom of 24 computers, 5 shop laptops, 4 electronic/electronic training aids, 1 hydraulic training aid, 6 heavy duty diesel engines, motor grader and scraper transmissions, flywheel dynamometer, 2 operational buses, 4 agriculture tractors and an operational-current production motor grader.

Practical Application
The heart of Heavy Equipment is the Diesel Engine like this Caterpillar C – 12.

Up To Date Technology
Heavy Equipment Mechanics use of State of the Art Electrical Training Aids will provide a firm foundation for troubleshooting of Advanced electronics.

Current Engine Technology
You will be challenged performing complete rebuild of diesel Engines like those that use the Common Rail fuel system.

Prepare for the Challenge
Heavy Equipment Mechanics require a mastery of many systems; Hydraulics, Engine, Power Train and Electronics. To demand the best compensation you must be prepared for the challenge. Through practicing on machines and use hydraulic trainers you will master this challenge.

Heavy Equipment Machines
Gain practical experience working on machines like this 160M Caterpillar Motor Grader.

Hands-On Performance
There is little that can replace hands-on reinforcement of system principles like testing and making adjustment to real Heavy Equipment.

Transmissions
What better way to master the fundamentals of power train systems than to perform complete rebuild of a motor grader and scraper transmission.

Software Applications:

• Caterpillar Electronic Technician
• Caterpillar Service Information System

Graduate with Career- Ready Skills!

ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS

• Specific Admissions Requirements:
  • Bennett Aptitude Test – score of 40 or above
  • Standard high school diploma or high school credential
  • Interview
     
• DOE Basic Skills Exit Requirements: Communications 9, Computation 9 (unless exempt)
   
• CASAS Exit Requirements: Communications 239+, Computation 225+ (unless exempt)

PREP FOR EMPLOYMENT

This program offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment in the heavy equipment industry across the state.  The content includes practical experiences in electronic engine operation, diesel engine complete rebuild, hydraulic system testing, heavy equipment fleet maintenance performance, and transmission rebuild with specialized skills in electronics such as use of manufacturers diagnostic tools. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare a student to enter the HEM workforce without the necessity of going through a formal dealer apprentice program. A student will be ready and technically prepared to take on the challenges of a Rental Store, Main Shop, and Contractor Maintenance Technician. Furthermore, they will have a solid foundation that will allow rapid advancement in the industry.

• Internships
  Various Equipment Dealers across the Eastern United States have sponsored summer internship for students to work as paid summer interns. These students worked as line technicians integrated into the dealer’s workforce, gaining specific experience working in the field of their choice.
   
• Workforce Education Internship Program
  Students participate in work-based learning experiences in their field of study outside of the classroom. ITECH has a Workforce Internship Program for those students who need work experience, but do not have an out-of-school job.
   
• Job Placement
  Our competent counseling staff provides job postings on a daily basis, with help in resume writing and the interviewing process.

CERTIFICATE

A certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete the program’s competencies and satisfy basic skill requirements in accordance with state guidelines. Students will also have the opportunity to test and earn additional industry and national credentials through the training program.