Caterpillar Equipment Technology
About this program
For years, the Caterpillar name has become synonymous with heavy equipment. That’s why we designed a program around servicing and repairing this widely respected brand-name. Your specialized training will focus on Caterpillar equipment, but you’ll also gain a broad level of understanding that applies to various types of construction equipment.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
45+
Machines for Student Use
125
Acre Operations Site
48,000
Square Feet of Lab Space
Careers
- Heavy construction 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.
- DSM156Heavy Equipment Brake Systems
- DSM155Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab
- DSM160Fundamentals of Powertrain Technology
- DSM165Caterpillar Powertrain Certification
- DSM154Diesel Engine Technology
- DSM116Diesel Engine Laboratory
- DSM120Basic Electricity
- DSM119Fuel Systems
- DSM166Caterpillar Engine Certification
- DSM164Caterpillar Internship
- DSM204Basic Hydraulics
- DSM205Advanced Hydraulics
- DSM206Safe Equipment Operation for Technicians
- DSM231Caterpillar Hydraulic & Operation Safety Certification
- DSM201Advanced Diesel Electronics & Fuel Systems
- DSM202Advanced Troubleshooting & Diesel Emission Systems
- DSM214Caterpillar Electrical, Electronic & Emissions Certification
- DSM242Diesel Equipment Air Conditioning Systems
- PERELCElective Courses - 3 Credits Required
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.
- PHS103Physics Survey
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.
Facilities
Hands-On Tomorrow
Thanks to an ongoing partnership with Caterpillar 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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
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.
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
Friday, October 10, 2025
Penn College Baja team competes in South Carolina
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Diesel Performance Club’s ‘Accelerated Learning’ truck back on drag racing circuit
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
FedEx donates truck to Penn College diesel major
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.
Industry Relations
Caterpillar, dealers combine for $82,000 in support for college
Furthering a partnership that has thrived for nearly a quarter century, the Caterpillar Foundation and a consortium of regional dealers recently delivered $82,000 in support of students and curriculum at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center.
Dual Degree
Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Caterpillar Equipment Technology are eligible to earn a second degree in Heavy Equipment Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, or On-Site Power Generation Technology 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
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.
First you need to apply to Pennsylvania College of Technology and enroll in the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology program (CH) to reserve a seat in the major. Then you may contact a participating Caterpillar dealer to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
Participating Caterpillar Dealers
| Dealer | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Carter CAT | 8531 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, MD 21237 |
Walter Chrysam, Technical Training Manager 410-579-4466 Walter_Chrysam@CarterMachinery.com |
| H.O. Penn | 122 Noxon Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 |
Kathryn Herbert, Corporate Recruiter 845-437-4055 kherbert@hopenn.com |
| Cleveland Brothers | 4565 William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 |
Randy Fetterolf, Corporate Recruiter 814-280-2581 rfetterolf@clevelandbrothers.com |
| Foley Inc. | 855 Centennial Avenue Piscataway, NJ 08854 |
Carolyn Scott, Corporate Recruiter 732-885-5555 cscott@foleyinc.com |
| Milton CAT | 100 Quarry Dr. Milford, MA 01757 |
Sarah Reardon, Talent Acquisition Manager 508-634-3400 sarah_reardon@miltoncat.com |
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
- glasses, safety, clear lens/black frame
- leather work shoes or boots
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.