
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician
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. ADS monitors the curriculum, program and equipment, and ADS members sponsor students.
Admissions
Requirements for Program Application
The following is required to process your application:
- High School transcript - or
- HSED/GED Test Scores - or
- College Degree from another college - Associate Degree, Bachelors Degree or higher:(Applicant only needs to submit the transcript showing their degree)
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.
Spring 2010
For this program applications must be received by January 15, 2010 to be considered for the spring semester. All supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be received by February 2, 2010.
Fall 2010
MATC begins collecting applications for the following year's Fall term on September 1st. The Admissions Office will then begin processing those applications on the 3rd Monday in October. (Effective for the fall of 2010).
Program Outcomes
- Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely, and cost-effective repair.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening, and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
- Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and heavy equipment industry.
- Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
- Project a professional image by acts of timeliness, cleanliness, honesty, and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, and supervisors.
Employment
- 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


