Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician

    Printer-friendly versionPDF version
    Program Number: 
    324121
    Two-Year Technical Diploma
    Program Courses offered at the following Campuses: 

    For more information contact:
    Transportation Program Cluster
    Phone: 
    (800) 322-6282 Ext. 4169 or (608) 243-4169

    About

    The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician Program is a two-year diploma program for today’s diesel industry. Trucking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., and all areas of the diesel industry are experiencing shortages of qualified technicians.

    One out of seven people in Wisconsin work in the manufacture, distribution, maintenance or commercial use of motor vehicles. Agriculture and construction are other major portions of Wisconsin’s economy and need trained technicians to keep modern equipment up and running.

    Students learn to repair engines, transmissions and drivelines, and electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, brake, air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems; adjust suspensions and wheel alignments; and perform maintenance and tune-ups.

    Students are trained in simulated shop environments and are evaluated for attendance, work quality, efficiency, safety, initiative and cooperation as if they were actual employees. A competency profile checklist is used to keep track of skills learned in the program. This program is certified by NATEF/ASE and holds master certification in medium/heavy duty trucks. The program is also certified as an Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) “TECH SMART” school. The Association of Diesel Specialists provides scholarships and program support.

    Admissions

    Requirements for Program Application

    The following is required to process your application:

    • High School transcript - or
    • HSED/GED Test Scores - or
    • College transcript showing an Associate's, Bachelor's or higher degree from an institution other than Madison College

    Requirements for Program Eligibility for the Current Academic Year

    The following are required to be eligible for the program:

    No required course pre-requisites. If the COMPASS or ASSET places you into developmental reading, writing or math courses, we recommend that you start taking that coursework the summer prior to your start, if possible.

    For program waitlist information, refer to the Admission Information and Next Steps below.

    Admission Processing Deadlines: 
    Fall 2012

    Madison College begins collecting applications for the following year's fall semester on September 1, 2011. For this program applications must be received by August 31, 2012, to be considered for the fall semester.  All supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be received by September 15, 2012.

    Spring 2013

    Madison College begins collecting applications for the following year's spring semester on January 16, 2012. For this program applications must be received by January 15, 2013, to be considered for the spring semester.  All supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be received by February 2, 2013.

    Program Outcomes

    Program Outcomes: 
    1. Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely, and cost-effective repair.
    2. Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening, and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and heavy equipment industry.
    4. Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
    5. Project a professional image by acts of timeliness, cleanliness, honesty, and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, and supervisors.

    Employment

    Career Potential: 

    View Gainful Employment information.

    • Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technicians
      Diagnose, repair and service medium and heavy duty trucks, light and heavy construction equipment or agricultural equipment and machinery.
    • Fleet Maintenance Technicians
      Keep records on fleet vehicles and perform general maintenance, inspections and repairs.
    • Fuel Injection Technicians
      Diagnose, repair and service fuel systems and governing devices on all types of diesel engines.
    • Alignment Specialists
      Use computerized alignment equipment to diagnose, repair and adjust medium and heavy duty truck suspension systems.
    • Engine Rebuild Specialists
      Disassemble, inspect, reassemble and test engines to factory specifications with dynamometer.

    With additional education and/or experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Service Writers or Managers
    • Shop Foremen
    • Team Leaders
    • DOT Inspectors
    • Factory Service Representatives
    • Fleet Maintenance Managers
    Last Modified: January 19, 2012