Alfred State | Program | Heavy Equipment, Truck & Diesel Technician

AOS Degree – Code #0452

Bradley Smith, Department Chair and Program Coordinator
Email address: smithbp@alfredstate.edu

One of our most popular programs, this specialization includes 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training designed to prepare you to enter the dynamic field of heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You will receive a strong foundation on all types of vehicles during your first year, followed by a year of concentration on trucks, bulldozers, earthmovers, farm tractors, and other diesel-powered equipment during your senior year.

Advantages

Our heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program is the only program in New York and New England that is approved by the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS). The heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program is one of only nine national ADS TechSmart training programs.
Students successfully completing the heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program may return for a third year (senior year) in automotive service technician or motorsports technology and earn a second associate degree. They may be admitted to autobody repair with the department chair’s approval.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a focused, coherent, organized written report.
Perform mathematic calculations required for entry-level automotive employment.
Demonstrate a functional ability to read and retain/apply written instructions and specifications relevant to their work environment.
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck drive trains.
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck electrical and electronic systems.
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck gas engines.
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck brakes, steering, and suspension systems.

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Alfred State heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program. Graduates who have credit for freshman composition, statistics, literature, history, and speech may complete the BBA program in two additional years; others may complete the BBA program in two-and-one-half years.

Occupational Opportunities

Agricultural equipment mechanic
Service manager
Diesel engine specialist
Diesel fuel system specialist
Shop foreman
Heavy equipment mechanic
Truck fleet mechanic
Industrial equipment mechanic
Marine engine service technician

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 97 percent – 97 percent are employed.

Related Programs

Autobody Repair
Automotive Service Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Welding Technology

Required Tools/Equipment

A list of required tools, equipment, PPE, etc. for all of the programs mentioned above can be found at http://www.alfredstate.edu/tool-lists.

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops.

Entrance Requirements/recommendations

Recommended: Algebra

Technical Standards

It is essential that students in this degree program are able to participate fully and safely, with or without reasonable accommodation, in all classroom and laboratory experiences required for completion of the program. Students in this degree program should be able to:

Lift 50 pounds to industry standard automotive lift height
Effectively communicate with a person six (6) to ten (10) feet away.
Visually decipher small images on a monitor or digital display.
Distinguish sounds associated with mechanical failures.
Comprehend written information found in service repair resources.
Possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Function in a safe manner, not placing themselves, faculty, staff, other students, or property in jeopardy.
Appropriately and safely use standard laboratory equipment, materials, and instrumentation to include possession of fine motor skills and mobility.

Certification Or Licensure

Students may take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams in eight areas and the ADS TechCert test. Students are eligible for New York State inspection certification upon successful completion of their freshman year. In their senior year, students may take the test for certification in Basic Engine Theory through the Association of Diesel Specialists.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Technician - AOS Degree

TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

AUTO	1224	Welding	4
AUTO	1245	Trk Bsc Elctrns & Cmpnt Ovrhal	5
AUTO	1219	Truck Brake, Steer & Sus Sys	9
			18

Second

AUTO	1239	Trk Insp, Maint, AC, Clng/Htng	9
AUTO	2169	Truck Electrical, Fuel & Emiss	9
			18

Third

AUTO	3609	Heavy Duty Drive Train	9
AUTO	3649	Diesel Engine Service	9
			18

Fourth

AUTO	4669	Diesel Fuel System Service	9
AUTO	4623	Heavy Duty HVAC	3
AUTO	4613	Heavy Duty Hydraulic Systems	3
AUTO	4603	Heavy Duty Electrical Systems	3
			18

Continuing Students

Students successfully completing the heavy equipment, truck & diesel technician program receive first priority for space if they wish a third year (senior year) in automotive service technician. They may be admitted to autobody repair with the department chair’s approval.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in major courses.