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...
CWI Heavy Equipment Technician
Program Exploration Event
Interested in a career as a Heavy Equipment Technician? Join us on April 4, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center in room 142 to:
- Learn more about this program, and meet the faculty.
- Meet industry leaders, and hear about career opportunities.
- Understand how education in this career field benefits you.
- Get tips on how to prepare for a successful start.
- Take a tour of the lab space and technology.
Overview
The Heavy Equipment Technician program at CWI will prepare you for entry level employment as a technician at a variety of construction and agricultural equipment repair facilities. Students who complete the CWI program are considered for employment by many local businesses that hire diesel technicians. The demand for qualified technicians is not only high locally, but nationally and internationally as well. There is expected to be a strong demand well into the future.
Manufacturer and Industry Partnerships:
Modern Machinery
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 Equipment Technician courses.
Sign up to receive information about upcoming program orientation dates. Program Orientation Dates
If you have questions about the program, please contact George Turner at georgeturner@cwi.edu.
Mission
The CWI Heavy Equipment Technician program offers students a high level of technical understanding and interpersonal skills to support industry requirements for entry-level placement in the heavy equipment technician job market.
Why This Program
The Heavy Equipment Technician program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) provides students with an excellent opportunity to learn how to diagnose, maintain and repair construction, agricultural and other diesel powered equipment. Completing our program provides you with opportunities to secure jobs that pay well and provide excellent benefits working for local and major national companies in the construction, agricultural, mining, marine, power generation and various other diesel related fields. The need for skilled technicians is increasing and the trend is expected to continue for many years to come.
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
- Transmissions
- Differentials
- Drive lines
- Basic hydraulics
- Suspension and steering systems
- Electrical systems
- Engine Performance
- Shop safety and shop maintenance
Clubs
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Heavy Equipment Technician - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Heavy Equipment Technician - Advanced Technical Certificate
2
YEARSATC
Heavy Equipment Technician - Intermediate Technical Certificate
1
YEARITC
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on 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.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full 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.
A typical day is six hours of classroom and lab work with an emphasis on hands-on training and an opportunity to learn on the job with local employers. Students may work part time in a related field while in the program.
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
You will find work in many types of fields—working on equipment that ranges from rugged construction vehicles to giant earth movers, mining trucks, cranes, and pavers. These machines cost hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars and you will be trusted to care for and repair them.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
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

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.

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-long career for himself.

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!

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.

Modern Machinery donates $10,000 to empower students in CWI's Heavy Equipment Technician program.

Three of CWI’s Heavy Equipment Technician students were recently awarded $500 after completing internships with Modern Machinery.
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
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management