Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

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Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician

  • Technical Diploma
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Image

Program Number: 

324121

Program Credits: 

55.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$9,028.25

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

As a diesel and heavy equipment technician, your role is instrumental in keeping businesses and industries operational by diagnosing and repairing diesel engines, heavy trucks, and heavy equipment. Western's hands-on program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field, covering essential areas such as powertrains, electrical/electronic systems, chassis systems, brakes, and hydraulics of these equipment. Throughout your training, you will stay up-to-date with the latest industry technology and practices.

Our program takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from welding and general studies to provide you with a comprehensive foundation for entering the field. Through applied, general, and specialized training, you will gain the expertise necessary for success. Most students complete the program within 21 months, and upon graduation, you will find excellent career opportunities in a secure and fulfilling industry. Your work will play a crucial role in keeping essential equipment running smoothly and contributing to the efficiency of various businesses and industries.

Classes are held at Western's state-of-the-art Truck and Heavy Equipment Facility, located in La Crosse's industrial park, 2719 Larson Street. Check our interactive map [1] for specific location information.

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates63
Graduates Responding19
Employed in Related Occupation19
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education0
Not in Labor Market0

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding06
Average Hours Per Week52
Average Hourly Wage$33.20
Hourly Wage Range$24.00-$60.00
Average Annual Salary$55,000

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Mechanic, Trailer Technician and Fabricator, Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Tech, Owner

Career Opportunities

Diesel Technician
Diesel Mechanic
Field Service Technician
Fleet Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Program Outcomes

  • Diagnose, repair and service brake systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service steering & suspension systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service electrical/electronic systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service HVAC systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service drive train systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service hydraulic systems
  • Diagnose, repair and service diesel engines

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [2].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [3].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [4] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [5]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [6].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [7] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [8]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Accreditation

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF [9]).

NATEF Logo [10]

Career Pathways: 

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [11] about what may apply to this program.

Technical Diploma: 

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Assistant
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [12] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [13] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Applied Communication for Transportation
Course Number: 31801315
Credits: 1.00
Diesel Online Service Utilization
Course Number: 32412403
Credits: 2.00
Diesel Truck Brake Systems
Course Number: 32412351
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Truck Chassis Systems
Course Number: 32412402
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Truck Powertrains
Course Number: 32412401
Credits: 3.00
Strengths Seminar (Technical Diploma)
Course Number: 31890300
Credits: 1.00
Truck Familiarization and CDL
Course Number: 32412418
Credits: 2.00

Second Term

Applied Career Skills
Course Number: 31890315
Credits: 1.00
Applied Math 1 - Transportation
Course Number: 31804310
Credits: 1.00
Applied Math 2-Transportation
Course Number: 31804312
Credits: 1.00
Diesel Basic Engines
Course Number: 32412303
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Electricity Fundamentals
Course Number: 32412406
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Electricity Troubleshooting
Course Number: 32412407
Credits: 3.00

Fourth Term

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Internship
Course Number: 32412417
Credits: 1.00
Diesel Advanced Electricity
Course Number: 32412412
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Engine Rebuilding
Course Number: 32412408
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Engines Advanced
Course Number: 32412419
Credits: 3.00
HVAC - Diesel
Course Number: 32412321
Credits: 2.00
Intro to Electric Power Generation
Course Number: 32412420
Credits: 2.00

Fifth Term

Diesel Heavy Equip Inspec & Prev Maint
Course Number: 32412415
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Heavy Equipment Live Repair
Course Number: 32412416
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Heavy Equipment Powertrains
Course Number: 32412413
Credits: 3.00
Diesel Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Systems
Course Number: 32412414
Credits: 3.00
Welding for Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Course Number: 32442318
Credits: 1.00
Welding-Transportation
Course Number: 32442317
Credits: 1.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://myatlascms.com/map/?id=1030&mrkIid=202272
[2] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[3] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[4] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[6] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[7] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[9] http://www.asealliance.org
[10] http://www.asealliance.org/
[11] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[12] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[13] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/