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.
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Technician Emphasis
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
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.
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 Equipment Brake Systems (DSM156)
- Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab (DSM155)
- Fundamentals of Powertrain Technology (DSM160)
- Diesel Engine Technology (DSM154)
- Diesel Engine 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.
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.
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.
Feb 24
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 24 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Apr 7
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM
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.
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.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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.
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.
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.
Penn College News
11.21.2023
Transformation for Baja competition underway at training site
Work has begun at Pennsylvania College of Technology's heavy construction equipment operations training site in readiness for the estimated 1,000 competitors expected for the international Baja SAE competition next spring. The college will host about 100 teams – each with single-seat, all-terrain vehicles that they've designed and manufactured – that will converge there from May 16-19 for Baja SAE Williamsport.
10.29.2023
College's diesel drag truck: a 25-year 'overnight' sensation
For 25 years, a vintage Mack road tractor – appropriately nicknamed “Accelerated Learning" – has served as a rolling lab that continually reflects the latest industry technology available to diesel students at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center. And while there have been periods of highs and lows in enthusiasm during that quarter-century of transforming the vehicle into a drag truck, the current level of excitement and activity is off the charts.
10.11.2023
ESC provides fertile ground for latest Recruitment Day
More than two dozen employers were at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday for another in Career Services' series of program-specific Recruitment Days. As the morning chill burned off under welcome sunshine, the day heated up with productive dialogue about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities for students in diesel, heavy equipment and power generation majors.
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.
Alumni Feature
Beyond Penn College
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
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 advisor to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously.
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
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. Derek Adams, '12, Area Equipment Manager East, Pennsy Supply Inc.
- Mr. Kevin Brookhart, '12, Technical Training Instructor, CNH Industrial
- Mr. Lance Bucha, Operations Manager, Groff Tractor & Equipment, LLC.
- Mr. William Esterly, Vice President Product Support, The Victor L. Phillips Co.
- Mr. Randy Fetterolf, Corporate Technical Recruiter, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc.
- 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
- Ms. Samantha White, Director of HR, Groff Tractor & Equipment, LLC.