After a $224,000 donation on April 8, The Nagel Foundation has now invested over $1M to support successful student outcomes at CWI.
Read more about Nagel Foundation Scholarship Fund Tops $1M in Donations After 6 Years Supporting CWI StudentsHeavy Equipment Technician
Hands-On Training and Certifications for Today's Advanced Equipment
Program Overview
Ready to gear up for a high-demand career in equipment technology? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers an immersive Heavy Equipment Technician program, perfect for those eager to excel in the construction and agricultural equipment repair industry. This program, accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation, equips you with the skills to diagnose and repair heavy equipment, covering everything from basic theory to advanced troubleshooting.
You will embark on a journey, engaging in hands-on training and internships, which not only solidify your classroom learning but enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With access to more than a dozen pieces of construction, material handling, and agricultural equipment, you will practice real repair procedures and troubleshooting and become comfortable with manufacturer-specific tools. The program additionally includes opportunities to earn numerous industry-recognized certifications, boosting your credibility and job marketability upon graduation.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Advanced Technical Certificate
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1.5 – 2 years
Primary Location
Learning Opportunities
- Real Equipment, Real Skills: Train on actual equipment, applying your knowledge to practical scenarios.
- Extensive Hands-on Training: Dive into hands-on learning, from basic repairs to advanced diagnostics.
- Internships & Career Connections: Gain invaluable experience and build your professional network through partnerships with local companies.
- Industry-Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications that validate your technical expertise and enhance your career prospects.
- Comprehensive Program Structure: Benefit from a well-rounded program covering all aspects of heavy equipment technology.
Local Industry Partnerships
Your education at CWI is supported by local industry providing direction on curriculum, access to shop tours, original equpment manufacturer (OEM) product-specific training, and equipment donations. Partnerships include Modern Machinery, Agri-Service, Vermeer, Mountain West, Coastline Equipment, and Sunroc Corporation.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Heavy Equipment Technician – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $15,205
Heavy Equipment Technician – Advanced Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $14,371
Heavy Equipment Technician – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $13,010
Career Opportunities
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
160
Annual Openings*
$25.68
Hourly Median Wage*
$53,414
Annual Median Salary
31.05%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
15
Annual Openings*
$29.59
Hourly Median Wage*
$61,547
Annual Median Salary
2.18%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Rail Car Repairers
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
12
Annual Openings*
$26.26
Hourly Median Wage*
$54,621
Annual Median Salary
-5.73%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Heavy Equipment Technician as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
STEP 3
- Attend a Heavy Equipment Technician Program Exploration event prior to registering for classes. Contact alexbeal@cwi.edu for future event details.
Academic Calendar New Student Checklist
Program Accreditation
The Heavy Equipment Technician program at College of Western Idaho is accredited by:
The AED Foundation
650 E Algonquin Rd, Suite 305
Schaumburg, IL 60173
630.574.0650
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Related Programs
Clubs
SkillsUSA
College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.
News
Heavy Equipment Technician Program students are furthering their industry knowledge and skills thanks to a new tractor donated by Agri-Service.
Read more about Agri-Service Donation Helps Heavy Equipment Technician Students Learn More Job-Ready Skills
Training opportunities for Heavy Equipment Technician students at College of Western Idaho have been elevated thanks to a newly purchased dozer, in part, due to an industry partner.
Read more about New Dozer Helping Heavy Equipment Students Succeed
Through College of Western Idaho, Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology student, Michael Hertel, has discovered new studies and industries — some of which he hopes will lead to a life-...
Read more about Learning New Career Paths Through CWI
Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!
Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events
Hands-on training opportunities for Heavy Equipment Technician students at College of Western Idaho have been elevated thanks to a donation of two Ford F750 trucks.
Read more about Heavy Equipment Receives Donation from Cobalt Truck Equipment
Modern Machinery donates $10,000 to empower students in CWI's Heavy Equipment Technician program.
Read more about Donation Empowers Students in Heavy Equipment Program
Three of CWI’s Heavy Equipment Technician students were recently awarded $500 after completing internships with Modern Machinery.
Read more about Local Company Awards Students $500 Following Internship
CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.
Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition
A group of CWI students and recent graduates also won medals in a school record five events.
Read more about CWI Celebrates First SkillsUSA National Title
For CWI alum Steve Silva, a chance encounter turned into a golden opportunity when he decided to get involved with SkillsUSA.
Read more about Chance Encounter Leads to Golden Opportunity
Liz Driml's goal of obtaining a GED quickly turned into the goal of earning a two-year degree at CWI.
Read more about Learning How to Read, Write, and SucceedRequest More Information
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