Career Opportunities

Heavy construction equipment technician for a Caterpillar or other heavy construction equipment dealership, mine, quarry or natural gas industry; forestry equipment dealer; leasing company or contractor; field service/CAT sales representative for an equipment or engine distributor; service occupations such as service writer, warranty writer, parts manager, and assistant service manager.

Recommended High School Subjects

Four years of English, two years of algebra, and one year of science.

Special Equipment Needs

See program Tool List for major.

Laptop Computer Required

• Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
• Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
• 8+ 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).
• Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

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

Program Goals

• practice approved safety procedures in various work situations.
• read and interpret equipment manuals and write clear, accurate, and complete service reports.
• demonstrate the correct use of basic hand tools, special tools, and testing equipment.
• describe the operation of diesel engines, overhaul a diesel engine, and demonstrate skills in problem solving, maintaining, and repairing diesel engines.
• troubleshoot, maintain, adjust, and repair basic chassis systems including standard transmissions, clutches, drive lines, braking systems, tracks, steering systems, and differentials.
• identify, troubleshoot, and repair various types of hydraulic systems, hydrostatic and powershift transmissions, torque converters, fuel systems, and electrical systems.
• explain the principles of planned preventative maintenance and the economic benefits of proper equipment maintenance scheduling.
• diagnose and repair malfunction of engine and chassis electronic management systems found on Caterpillar equipment.
• retrieve and record accurate technical information from a computer-based system and demonstrate proper communication techniques for customer assistance and reporting.

Accreditation

AED Accredited by The AED Foundation.