Heavy Equipment Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

On a working job site, time is money. Keeping equipment running smoothly is essential. And that’s why skilled technicians are in demand. Training on an extensive fleet of the industry’s go-to machines, you’ll hone your problem-solving skills. And build the technical skills to maintain, service, and repair industry workhorses.

 
 

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions. 

Careers

  • Heavy equipment technician
  • Technician for dealerships
  • Sales representative
  • Product support representative 

17

Average Class Size

All Faculty AED Certified Technicians

48,000

Square Feet of Lab Space

Featured Video: Virtual Tour

Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.

Facilities: Hands-On Tomorrow

Thanks to industry partnerships our labs are outfitted with all types of heavy equipment, just like you’ll see in the field.

Launch Virtual Lab Tour

Tour Schedule: Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, July 18 9 AM - 3 PM

Register

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Admissions Office

Scholarships

As a Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 144 scholarships.

36 Program-related scholarships

108 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

Penn College News: Real World Ready

Calling all cars: Events bring car/truck enthusiasts to two campuses

April 17, 2026

Two recent student-hosted events brought the best of new and old vehicles to the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, where the Diesel Performance Club hosted its…

Diesel competition attracts 29 students from 16 CTE centers

March 10, 2026

Twenty-nine juniors and seniors from 16 career and technical education centers recently convened for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Diesel Technology…

GT&E continues long-standing support of Penn College

February 18, 2026

GT&E, a long-standing supporter of Pennsylvania College of Technology, offered free rentals on two pieces of equipment and an educational discount on a third in…

Penn College Baja team competes in South Carolina

October 10, 2025

Although they didn’t achieve their typical top-10 finish, the Pennsylvania College of Technology team performed well at Baja SAE Carolina and is already working…

Diesel Performance Club’s ‘Accelerated Learning’ truck back on drag racing circuit

October 08, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s “Accelerated Learning” is at it again, and this time, the Diesel Performance Club’s 12,000-pound 1959 B-61 Mack truck…

FedEx donates truck to Penn College diesel major

July 16, 2025

FedEx, a longtime supporter of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s diesel technology major, donated a 2014 Kenworth T680 semitrailer truck for students to…

CTE instructors attend diesel externship at Earth Science Center

June 26, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently hosted 13 educators – representing 10 schools and three states – at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center for a…

GT&E celebrates interns, new hires during signing day

June 25, 2025

GT&E celebrated the six Penn College students and May graduates who accepted positions with the construction equipment dealer with a “signing day” on campus.…

Bergey’s Truck Center donates Mack truck to Penn College

June 17, 2025

Students in the diesel technology major at Pennsylvania College of Technology are benefiting from the donation of a Mack truck from Bergey’s Truck Centers. The…

Penn College appoints new assistant dean

June 04, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology has named John A. Pecchia as its new assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources. Pecchia comes to Penn College…

Industry Partners: Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Industry Partners:

"We find that Penn College graduates have strong technical abilities, an understanding of electronics and a great work ethic–they're highly skilled."

Mike Hayes Komatsu America Corp

Internship: Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life: Lead and put your skills to the test

Service and Operation of Heavy Equipment Club (S&O)

S&O expands learning and leadership opportunities, giving students a chance to connect with and contribute to the College and the local community.

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Diesel Performance Club

The purpose of this association is to expand the learning opportunities and meet other students who share an interest in diesel performance. Students test their skills by entering vehicles in competitions. 

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Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved

Study Abroad: Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Alumni Feature: Beyond Penn College

Around the Globe

As a service technician for Schramm Inc., Gavin traveled the world to fix machines and teach people in both classrooms and the drilling field about the equipment he maintains.

He’s climbed the Great Wall of China, fished for hours in Mexico, walked Red Square in Moscow, hunted in Africa, and toured Peru and Chile.

Dual Degree: Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Heavy Equipment Technology are eligible to earn a second degree in Caterpillar Equipment Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, or On-Site Power Generation Technology in a few as three years. Students may work with their advisor to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. 

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More Information

AED Accredited by The AED Foundation.

Accredited by AED

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Tools, Uniforms, and Supplies

See the Tool List for this major.

Required Laptop Computer

  • Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
  • Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
  • Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
  • ARM based processors are not recommended.
  • 16+ GB RAM (recommended).
  • 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
  • Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
  • Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
  • Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
  • Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
  • Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Jeremy Bell

Jeremy Bell

Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology

Brad Conklin

Brad Conklin

Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology

Jeremy Fry

Jeremy Fry

Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology

 Andy Jaconetta

Andy Jaconetta

Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology

Drew Smith

Drew Smith

Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology: Electric Power Generation

Mark Sones

Mark Sones

Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology

Contact Information

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