Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Technician Emphasis

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Student working in the lab

About this program

On a working job site, time is money. Keeping equipment running smoothly is essential. And that’s why skilled technicians are in demand. Training on an extensive fleet of the industry’s go-to machines, you’ll hone your problem-solving skills. And build the technical skills to maintain, service, and repair industry workhorses.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

17

Average Class Size

All Faculty AED Certified Technicians

48,000

Square Feet of Lab Space

Careers

  • Heavy equipment technician
  • Technician for dealerships
  • Sales representative
  • Product support representative 
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Heavy Duty Brake Systems (DSM141)
  • Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab (DSM155)
  • Fundamentals of Powertrain Technology (DSM160)
  • Diesel Engine Technology (DSM154)
  • Diesel Engines Laboratory (DSM116)
  • Fuel Systems (DSM119)
  • Basic Electricity (DSM120)
  • Hydraulics I (DSM121)
  • Hydraulics II (DSM122)
  • Introduction to CAT Vehicles (DSM284)
  • Heavy Construction Vehicle Laboratory (DSM287)
  • Heavy Equipment Machine Electronics & Diagnostic Procedures (DSM236)
  • Hydraulics III (DSM230)
  • Heavy Equipment Electronic Systems (DSM277)
  • Diesel Equipment Air Conditioning Systems (DSM242)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP) or
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)
  • Physics Survey (PHS103)
  • Physics with Technological Applications (PHS114)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
View Goals & Course List
Featured Video

Virtual Tour

Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.

Hands-On Tomorrow
Facilities

Hands-On Tomorrow

Thanks to industry partnerships our labs are outfitted with all types of heavy equipment, just like you’ll see in the field.

Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.

Jul 23

Open House

Saturday, July 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)

Register

Jul 29

Open House

Friday, July 298:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400

Industry Partners

"We find that Penn College graduates have strong technical abilities, an understanding of electronics and a great work ethic–they're highly skilled."

Mike Hayes

Komatsu America Corp

Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

Learn More

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

CAT logo
Volvo logo
Komatsu logo
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) logo
Anderson logo
AED Careers for Students logo
Related Programs

Follow your passion

Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Service and Operation of Heavy Equipment Club (S&O)

Service and Operation of Heavy Equipment Club (S&O)

S&O expands learning and leadership opportunities, giving students a chance to connect with and contribute to the College and the local community.

Learn more
Diesel Performance Club

Diesel Performance Club

The purpose of this association is to expand the learning opportunities and meet other students who share an interest in diesel performance. Students test their skills by entering vehicles in competitions. 

Learn More
Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved
News

Heavy Equipment Operations

06.30.2022

Foley Inc. expands partnership with Penn College

Foley Inc., a Cat® equipment dealer serving New Jersey; southeast Pennsylvania; Staten Island, New York; and northern Delaware, ...

Read more

Heavy Equipment Operations

04.22.2022

ESC celebrates a special Earth Day, 50 years in the making

On the 52nd annual Earth Day, Pennsylvania College of Technology hailed a phenomenon only slightly younger: the Schneebeli Earth ...

Read more

Heavy Equipment Operations

03.10.2022

Allan Myers expands, enhances its Penn College partnership

Allan Myers, the Mid-Atlantic’s largest heavy civil contractor and a valued Pennsylvania College of Technology Corporate ...

Read more

View all
Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

Alumni Feature

Beyond Penn College

Around the Globe

Around the Globe

As a service technician for Schramm Inc., Gavin traveled the world to fix machines and teach people in both classrooms and the drilling field about the equipment he maintains.

He’s climbed the Great Wall of China, fished for hours in Mexico, walked Red Square in Moscow, hunted in Africa, and toured Peru and Chile.

Dual Degree
Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Technician Emphasis are eligible to earn a second degree in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis, Diesel Technology, or Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis in a few as three years. Students may work with their adviser to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. 

Learn more

More Information

AED Accredited by The AED Foundation.

View general transfer information

You are expected to purchase your own tools which 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.

View the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology Required Tools

Required for all labs:

  • uniform
  • leather work shoes or boots
  • safety glasses

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. Kevin Brookhart, '12, Technical Training Instructor, CNH Industrial
  • Mr. William Esterly, Vice President Product Support, The Victor L. Phillips Co.
  • Mr. Ryan Flood, Owner, Highway Equipment & Supply Co.
  • Mr. Matthew Fogtman, '06, '13, Fleet Manager, Volvo Construction Equipment
  • Mr. Ken Lebeda, '78, Master Mechanic, Hanson Aggregates
  • Mr. Karl Quinn
  • Mr. Jerry Skiff, General Manager of Product Support, Anderson Equipment Company
Contact

Admissions Office

The future needs you

If you put more into today, could you get more out of tomorrow? If you create your future at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the answer is yes.

With open and rolling admission, applying is easy.

Apply today

Experience all that campus has to offer with visit options designed just for you.

Schedule visit

Get more information about the admission process.

Request information