Heavy equipment maintenance professionals maintain, troubleshoot and fix large vehicles and equipment. Find out about education and training programs available in this field.
What Kind of Heavy Equipment Maintenance Programs Can I Complete?
You can receive heavy equipment maintenance training through a certificate program if you're looking for a basic overview or preventative maintenance. Some of these programs also offer field experience. Diploma programs offer more intensive training and some provide evening courses. If you're looking for internship experience, you can enroll in an associate's degree program. A 2-year program can also prepare you for further study in a bachelor's degree program in heavy equipment engineering technology.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Types</b></td><td> Certificates, diplomas, associate degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Program Concepts</b></td><td> Diesel engine repair, hydraulic systems, irrigation, steering systems, electrical generation</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED, drug test, driver's license, high school courses in math and drafting may prepare you better for the program</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Possibilities</b></td><td> Heavy equipment maintenance worker, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, supervisor</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>0% growth (<i>heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$53,370 (<i>heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearn">What Can I Learn?</h3><p>In a certificate or diploma program, you'll learn about safety methods and first aid. You'll also learn how to repair diesel engines, steering systems, axles, drive trains and hydraulic systems in heavy equipment. In support of this, you can expect to take courses that cover diesel engine theory, directional controls, electrical systems, welding and hydraulics.
</p><p>Associate's degree programs provide the same basic instruction; however, you might also learn how to use heavy equipment for irrigation, drilling and electrical generation. You'll also complete general academic requirements in computer literacy, communications, English and math. Some associate's programs also cover heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in heavy equipment. If you enroll in a program like that, you might learn how to handle different types of refrigerants and work on electrical controls responsible for heating and cooling.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToEnroll">What Do I Need to Enroll?</h3><p>Before you enroll in a heavy equipment maintenance program, you'll need a high school diploma or a GED. While there aren't any other standard prerequisites, you can take courses in mathematics, shop and drafting as a high school student. Most heavy equipment maintenance programs require applicants to take a drug test and possess a valid driver's license.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIWork">Where Can I Work?</h3><p>After you complete a certificate, diploma or associate's program, you can apply for entry-level positions maintaining heavy equipment used by transportation, construction, excavation, agriculture, logging or freight companies. You might also find a position as a mechanic or a heavy equipment operator. With more experience, you may pursue a lead operator or supervisor position.</p>
