Skills USA is a nationwide organization; it is also a club at College of Western Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to enhance their technical and leadership skills. In Skills USA, college students can...
Overview
Are you interested in big trucks and mega engines? Are you looking to start a career with the potential for excellent pay and great job opportunities? Then look no further than CWI’s Heavy Duty Truck Technician program. At CWI, you will receive training with the latest technologies found in semi tractor-trailer trucks, enhancing your understanding of the power that makes them go.
New Students
In addition to the New Student Orientation, you participate in as part of the college application process, you must attend a program orientation prior to registering for the Heavy Duty Truck Technician courses.
Sign up to receive information about upcoming program orientation dates. Program Orientation Dates
If you have questions about the program, please contact Alex Beal at alexbeal@cwi.edu.
Mission
Offer students a high level of technical understanding and interpersonal skills to support industry requirements for entry-level placement in the heavy-duty truck technician job market.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Diesel theory
- Care and use of tools
- Principles and repair of the internal combustion engine
- Fuel systems
- Lubrication systems
- Cooling systems
- Hydraulic, air, and engine brake systems
- Transmissions
- Differentials
- Drive lines
- Basic hydraulics
- Suspension and steering systems
- Electrical systems
- Engine Performance
- Understanding service parts/manuals
- Shop safety and shop maintenance
- Communication skills and occupational relations
Clubs
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Heavy Duty Truck Technician - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Heavy Duty Truck Technician - Advanced Technical Certificate
2
YEARSATC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Heavy Duty Truck Technician - Intermediate Technical Certificate
1
YEARITC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Summer 2022 | Fall 2022 | Spring 2023 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | n/a | April 11 | November 14 | |
Open Registration Begins | February 28 | April 18 | November 21 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 14 | July 30 | December 17 | |
Admission Deadline2 | May 28 | August 13 | January 7 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | June 3 | August 19 | January 13 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | June 3 | August 19 | January 13 | |
Classes Begin3 | June 6 | August 22 | January 17 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based upon their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Some classes begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Math and spatial skills
- Ability to lift heavy objects
- Good physical condition
- Reading and communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Troubleshooting skills
- Enjoyment of mechanical work
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
If you have questions about any of this information, please contact One Stop Student Services or your advisor.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
This program will train you to repair and maintain diesel powered equipment such as trucks, buses, farm equipment, stationary engines, and components.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

"Because of CWI, I am in a position to give back to my community and be a role model to those around me."

Joshua Oquendo, a Heavy Duty Truck Technician student, received a $1,250 national scholarship.

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

FedEx Freight donates a Kenworth semi-truck to CWI’s Heavy Duty Truck Technician program.

Career and Technical Education students nominated by instructors as Emerging Professionals for 2018/19 academic year.

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Professional Truck Driving
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management