Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
School of Natural Resources Management
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Rm. 105 · (570) 320-8038
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the advantages of taking the operations courses (HEO210, HEO220, HEO230) in the Summer?
- Does the HY program require an Internship?
- When is the HE Internship going to be required?
- What is the difference between the Associate degree programs - Operator Emphasis and Technician Emphasis?
- Can I switch to another Heavy Construction Equipment degree once I enroll?
- Do I need to purchase my own tools or are they provided by the College?
- What type of job could I get with a Heavy Construction Equipment Technology degree?
- What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College and this degree?
- What if I don’t have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
- 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?
- Is a CDL required for work in this field?
- What is the placement rate of your Heavy Construction Equipment graduates?
- What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology?
- What if I can't afford to go to college?
- How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
- I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
- How do I apply?
Q:What are the advantages of taking the operations courses (HEO210, HEO220, HEO230) in the Summer?
A: This is recommended for students entering the program needing to complete developmental coursework; allowing them to comfortably complete their developmental work, technical and academic courses with fewer credits per semester. Additionally, students who enter the program with college credits from other majors or colleges may want to consider summer operations to shorten their time to graduation.
Q: Does the HY program require an Internship?
A: Currently the HY program does not require an internship within the curriculum to graduate. However, if the student enters the program with previous equipment operation experience, he/she may be eligible to earn credit for HEO210, HEO220 or HEO230 via an internship allowing him/her to “earn while they learn.”
Q: When is the HE Internship going to be required?
A: The HE Internship course HEO153 will become a new requirement within the HE curriculum beginning in Fall 2008. This requirement will only apply to all students beginning the HE program in Fall 2008.
The objective of this course is for students to gain an understanding of working in a business and applying the knowledge gained in their first year of study. Students must complete the following courses prior to beginning their internship:
- DSM 108
- DSM 115
- DSM 116
- DSM 120
- DSM 121
- DSM 141
- DSM 142
- DSM 149
- DSM 284
- CSC 110
- MTH 124/180
Q: What is the difference between the Associate degree programs - Operator Emphasis and Technician Emphasis?
A: Students who enter the technician program will have more coursework in engines, hydraulics, electronics, powertrains and air-conditioning. Students in the operator program will take additional coursework in site engineering and modification, blueprints and grade stake and quarry operations. The operator program also includes 450 hours of "seat time" for students, providing ample opportunities to build skills.
Q: Can I switch to another Heavy Construction Equipment Technology degree once I enroll?
A: Yes, with permission from your adviser and the Dean of the School of Natural Resources Management. Remember though, you are required to complete ALL the requirements of the program you enroll in and that may mean taking additional technical courses.
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. [Operator Emphasis Tool List] [Technician Emphasis Tool List] 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 industry for use by all students enrolled in the program.
Q:What type of job could I get with a Heavy Construction Equipment Technology degree?
A: Our graduates have gone on to work as heavy construction equipment technicians and operators for equipment dealerships, mines, quarries, farm and forestry equipment dealerships and leasing contractors. Others have gone on to secure employment as field service representatives for equipment or engine distributors. Still others are working as service writers, warranty writers, parts and assistant service managers. As you can see, the opportunities are numerous. View the Skills & Careers Web page for more information.
Q: What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College and this degree?
A: We recommend that you have at least two years of algebra, two years of science (physics is particularly helpful) and four years of English. Although we are a technical school, we have the same general education requirements as other colleges so a strong foundation is essential to your success here.
Q: What if I don’t have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
A: Yes! Penn College offers developmental coursework in math, English and reading. Once you’ve applied to Penn College, you will be scheduled for a placement test. This test provides us with information in regard to your skill level in those three areas. You will automatically be scheduled for developmental courses if your test scores indicate a need. Developmental coursework does not “count” toward coursework within your program so you must recognize that it may take you an additional semester or so to complete your degree. Developmental courses offer you the opportunity to strengthen your skills so that you can go on to be successful in your program.
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: Is a CDL required for work in the field?
A: A CDL is not required. In fact, many of the employers we deal with tell us that they use their operators strictly for "site work." The transporting of the equipment is done by other (usually lower-paid!) employees. They prefer to keep their trained operators operating. It's more cost effective. On the other hand, some smaller companies don't make that distinction between their employees and in that case, you may need a CDL. That would be an individual company requirement rather than a requirement for all those in this major.
Q: What is the placement rate of your Heavy Construction Equipment graduates?
A:Based upon the latest data from our 2004/2005 graduate survey, the heavy construction equipment programs offer a 92.6% placement rate.
Q: What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology?
A :Based upon data from our 2004/2005 graduate survey, the salary average is $33,000 with a high of $56,000. Advancement in this field is rapid and salaries increase significantly based upon the level of responsibility and the skill-level of the technician.
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, there are many scholarship opportunities available based on economic need, previous academic achievement or award-specific criteria.
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 :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.