Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician

Technical Diploma
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Why choose Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician?

  • Get the training you need to maintain and repair vehicles like buses, large trucks, and equipment used in agriculture and construction.
  • Diesel systems require different fuel, are different in design, and have different needs and requirements when being serviced—making for a specialized skill set that’s in high demand.
  • A great career for those with mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and a desire to work with their hands.
What is the difference between gasoline and diesel engines? Beyond requiring a different fuel, diesel engines are quite different in design and have different needs and requirements when being serviced. Add to this that diesel engines are put to the test in hard-working vehicles like buses, large trucks, and equipment used in agriculture and construction, and it’s no surprise you need a specialized diesel technician to work on them.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

Graduates of Mid-State’s Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program have the knowledge and skills to confidently diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems in trucks, buses, construction equipment, farm equipment, and industrial machinery.

Through hands-on classroom learning and training on state-of-the-art equipment, you will learn to perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, rebuild components, and respond to field service calls. You’ll also participate in field trips, tours, and equipment demonstrations, and you’ll get real-world experience by maintaining Mid-State’s vehicle fleet and operating onsite equipment.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2023/24 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $10,559.10
  • Books: $707.75
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $100.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $11,366.85

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32412375 Service Practices in Diesel Industry  1
  32412308 Braking Systems-Diesel 5
  32412309 Suspension & Steering Systems  5
  32412340 Intro to Electricity for the Diesel Industry  1
  31442320 Welding Foundations 1 1
  31442321 Welding Foundations 2 1
  10457119 Fabrication Fundamentals 1 1
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32412312 Drivetrains 4
  31801368 Workplace Communication  1
  32412313 Electrical Systems 4
  32462301 Mobile Hydraulics 2
  32412305 Preventive Maintenance-Diesel 3
  Term Total   14 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32412303 Heating/AC-Diesel  3
  32412324 Engine Repair 5
  32412327 Fuel Systems & Alternative Fuels 5
  31804305 Applied Mathematics 2
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32806351 Applied Science 2
  32412311 Advanced Electricity-Diesel 5
  32412330 Capstone-Live Diesel Repair 2
  32412310 Engine Performance & Emissions-Diesel 5
  Term Total   14 Credits
       
  Program Total   58 Credits

Instructors

SCOTT ENGEL, BS

After working in the transportation industry for several years, Scott realized his passion was to teach what he loved. He received his diesel and heavy equipment technician technical diploma from Western Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from the UW–Stout. Scott has taught for over 20 years in the diesel field and enjoys working with local industry and learning cutting-edge technology that he can incorporate into his program.

“My biggest reward as a teacher is to see my students thriving in their new careers, knowing I helped get them there.”


CHRIS OMERNIK, BS

Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in career, technical education, and training from UW–Stout. He also holds an associate degree from Mid-State Technical College as well as a technical diploma in diesel and heavy equipment repair. He is an ASE master certified technician and a Hunter certified alignment technician. He has worked for over 20 years in the diesel and heavy truck industry and continues to work with truck OEMs, dealerships, and private shops in order to keep up to date on current technology used on heavy trucks as well as with industry needs for technicians.

“There is nothing better than the ‘aha’ moment with a student, that moment when a concept ‘clicks.’ I love that Mid-State’s environment creates those moments for students on a regular basis."

Careers

  • Bus and Truck Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Fleet Maintenance Technician
  • Agriculture Equipment Technician 
  • Locomotive Technician
  • Over the Road Truck Technician
  • Portable Power Technician
  • Refrigerated Trailer Technician
  • Trailer Technician

Video

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

"Mid-State prepares you by providing hands-on training from passionate instructors, cutting edge facilities, and real-life experiences."

RICHARD VAN DER GEEST
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Pathway Graphic