Heavy Equipment/Diesel Tech
Degrees & Certificates in this major: Associate of Applied Science Degree | 2 year certificate
Department Website: Heavy Equipment/Diesel
Program Contact:
Steve Pearson, John Alvin Jr.
The curriculum of the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program is designed to give the student a balance of theory and practical experience gained by diagnosing, servicing, repairing and rebuilding components and live equipment. Diesel technicians repair and maintain the diesel engines that power trains; ships; generators; and the equipment used in highway construction, logging and farming. Technicians also maintain and repair power train, electrical and hydraulic systems used in construction equipment, farm equipment and trucks.
To become a diesel technician, you should have a mechanical aptitude and an affinity for shop work, mathematics and science. Being able to read with understanding is essential because technicians spend a considerable amount of time reading service manuals.
Upon completing the Associate of Applied Science degree or two-year certificate, the student may gain employment in service departments of distributors and dealers that sell diesel-powered autos, trucks, farming, logging and construction equipment. Bus lines, railways, and marine industries also employ diesel technicians. LBCC’s Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology program supports student participation in Skills USA-VICA. Students raise funds to pay the cost of travel, lodging and entry fees in the annual state skills contest.
In addition to the usual books and supplies, students should expect to spend about $750 for a personal set of diesel mechanic hand tools.
The Heavy Equipment/Diesel Technology curricula lead to an Associate of Applied Science degree or a two-year certificate.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete an Associate of Applied Science degree or earn a two-year certificate in heavy equipment/diesel:
- Follow safe shop practices.
- Achieve a high level of craftsmanship and professionalism.
- Inspect, diagnose, and conduct failure analysis and perform preventive maintenance inspections during repairs.
- Use service resources effectively.
- Apply fundamental skills and concepts to unfamiliar situations.
- Provide superior customer service, and practice productive interpersonal relations.
- Demonstrate proper use and care of shop and personal tools.
- Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Program Requirements
The Associate of Applied Science degree requires completion of English composition (WR 121), speech and math, usually in the first year, to acquire the degree in two years. Only students beginning their program during the fall term can be assured of completing the program in two years. Students enrolling at other times may need more than six terms to complete degree requirements.
Skills Upgrading
An individual who has prior work experience in the field may be admitted to advanced standing in the program upon confirmation of appropriate education or experience, which is evaluated through transcripts, work history and competence examination. Permission of the division dean is required.
Facilities
The program is conducted in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratory/shops. The 25,000-square-foot Heavy Equipment Mechanics/ Diesel facility houses a dynamometer and heavy-duty engine rebuilding lab. Students also have a large area where they can work on trucks, crawler tractors, farm equipment and tractor/trailers.
2008 Summer Teacher Institute
2009 Summer Teacher Institute
ABSD/GED
Link to ABSD/GED Goabout:ABSD/GED
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar Goabout:Academic Calendar
