Heavy Equipment Technician

Hands-On Training and Certifications for Today's Advanced Equipment

CWI Student working on a piece of heavy 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

$13,010 – 15,205

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1.5 – 2 years

Primary Location

Students working on a piece of heavy equipment.

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

2

YEARS

AAS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $15,205

Heavy Equipment Technician – Advanced Technical Certificate

1.5

YEARS

ATC

Heavy Equipment Technician – Intermediate Technical Certificate

1.5

YEARS

ITC

Heavy Equipment Technician working on tracker

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)*

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*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

    Clubs

    Graphic of tool with purple and gold flare like symbol
    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 Succeed
    View all news

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