Program Overview

The Heavy Equipment Technician program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) will help you develop the skills needed to repair bulldozers, graders, and other types of road-construction and farm equipment on-site or in the shop. Completing our program provides you opportunities to find jobs with high pay and excellent benefits working for major national companies. The need for skilled technicians is expected to increase for many years, which will mean a growing demand for qualified graduates, as well.

What will you learn to do?

Work on small and large diesel powered equipment. Technicians diagnose and repair fuel systems, lubrication systems, cooling systems, hydraulic systems, power trains, electrical systems, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems.

What kind of degree(s) can you earn?

• Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) – approximately two years
• Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) – approximately 16 months
• Technical Certificate (TC) – approximately one year
• Postsecondary Technical Certificate (PTC) – usually less than one year
• Advanced Postsecondary Technical Certificate (PTC) – usually less than one year

What else should you know?

A typical day is six hours of classroom and lab work with an emphasis on hands-on training and an opportunity to learn on the job with local employers. Students may work part time in a related field while in the program.

All students accepted in this program must submit to a drug or alcohol test at the beginning of the program and at their own expense.