Heavy Construction Equipment: Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis
School of Natural Resources Management
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Rm. 105 · (570) 320-8038
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be sponsored by a Caterpillar dealership to enroll in this program?
- Do I need to purchase my own tools or are they provided by the College?
- Why should I attend Pennsylvania College of Technology?
- How can I prepare myself while still in high school?
- I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness and other courses? Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
- What will I learn in this major?
- What types of jobs will I be prepared for upon graduation?
- How much will this cost?
- What if I can't afford to go to college?
- How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
- If I am in the Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis program, what is my obligation to the sponsoring dealership upon graduation?
- What is the placement rate of your Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis graduates?
- What starting salary can I expect to earn?
- I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
- How do I apply?
Q: Do I need to be sponsored by a Caterpillar dealership to enroll in this program?
A: First you need to apply to Pennsylvania College of Technology and enroll in the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology program (HE) to reserve a seat in the major. Then you need to work with your local dealership to secure sponsorship. Once we have received the agreement from you and the dealer you will automatically transfer into the Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis program.
Q: Do I need to purchase my own tools or are they provided by the College?
A: You are expected to purchase your own tools.For a detailed listing of tools and estimated price, please view our Tool List page. Tools can be purchased at the College Store or through a dealer such as Sears or Snap-on. The advantage to purchasing your own tools is that the tools are yours to use during your time as a student and later as an employee. Larger specialty tools such as those used in diagnostics and testing are purchased by the College or donated by the Caterpillar dealer program for use by all students enrolled in the program.
Q: Why should I attend Pennsylvania College of Technology?
A: Penn College offers one of 16 Caterpillar Dealer Excellence Programs in the United States. In fact, we are the largest funded program in the world! Our program is sponsored by six regional Caterpillar dealers from the northeast quadrant of the United States. In addition, we offer state-of-the-art facilities furnished with up-to-date equipment. Our instructors attend extensive Caterpillar training and work closely with students to build academic, technical and career skills that will last a lifetime.
Q: How can I prepare myself while still in high school?
A: The best way to prepare in high school is to concentrate on English, math and science. You need four years of English, two years of algebra and two years of science such as physics. Once you've applied to Penn College, you will be scheduled for a placement test. Some students are required to take developmental coursework in math, reading or English as determined by the Placement Test prior to acceptance into the Caterpillar program.
Q: What will I learn in this major?
A: You will learn how to perform preventive maintenance and repair Caterpillar equipment. There is special emphasis on the testing, diagnosis and correction of problems based upon industry specifications. As a student you’ll have coursework in engine overhaul, transmission repair, chassis maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, electronic control diagnostics, hydraulic testing, overhaul and repair, air conditioning and fuel systems.You will also spend a summer internship with your sponsoring dealer, gaining valuable work experience and practical application of the skills you’ve been learning in the classroom and lab.
Q: I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness and other courses?Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
A: Unfortunately, this is a common misperception among some students. English, math, computer science, etc., WILL BE a part of your future career. Advisory board members, who are representatives from businesses and industries hiring our graduates, have specifically requested that our students receive instruction in these areas. We continually hear that our graduates need to be able to communicate effectively on the job. Also, students who graduate with a degree are likely to have more career advancement opportunities than those who have not earned degrees. English, math and electives are all part of that degree! Those courses help develop critical thinking skills and expose students to other view points and diversity - all important in the world of work.
Q: What types of jobs will I be prepared for upon graduation?
A: Graduates of the Caterpillar program may find employment as heavy construction equipment technicians for Caterpillar dealers. There are opportunities available as field service and sales representatives for Caterpillar equipment and engine distributors and as Caterpillar parts service managers. View the Skills and Career Web page for more information.
A: Enrolling in this program is an investment in yourself and your future. Visit the Tuition & Costs Web page for estimated costs. Financial aid is also available in the form of grants and loans for qualified students.
Q: What if I can't afford to go to college?
A: Penn College's Financial Aid Office can give you good advice about paying for college. Many of our students use loans and grants to help pay for their education.In addition, scholarships are available through Caterpillar dealerships. The average annual award is $2,000. There are many other scholarship opportunities available based on economic need, previous academic achievement or award-specific criteria. Visit the Scholarships Web site for more information.
Q: How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
A: The Earth Science Center is located approximately 12 miles south of Williamsport, just off of Route 15. View Earth Science Map
Free City Bus transportation to the Earth Science Center is available for Penn College students. The schedule is based on Earth Science Center student schedules and fits the majority of student needs. (Main Campus classes may conflict with the bus schedule.) Note: The bus schedule is subject to change based on student use and City Bus determinations. View City Bus Schedule
Q: If I am in the Caterpillar program, what is my obligation to the sponsoring dealership upon graduation
A: The obligation between you and the sponsoring dealership will be discussed during your interview with the dealership.
Q: What is the placement rate of your Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis graduates?
A: Based on the latest data of our Graduate Survey, theCaterpillar Equipment Emphasis program offers 100% placement rate.
Q: What starting salary can I expect to earn?
A: Average starting salary for a graduate from this program ranges from $27,000 to $33,000. This figure will vary based upon sponsoring dealership, your location and your willingness to relocate.
Q: I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
A: Feel free to give us a call at (570) 320-8038, and we can answer your questions or put you in touch with faculty who can tell you more. You may also e-mail us at naturalresources@pct.edu.
If you'd like to come to our campus for a tour, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222 or schedule a tour on-line.
A: To obtain an application for admission to Penn College, you may phone our Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222, or e-mail them at admissions@pct.edu. You may also apply for admission on-line.