The Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology program prepares students for careers in industries that use trucks, excavators, bulldozers, other heavy equipment, or industrial equipment using diesel power and hydraulic devices.
Graduates find work with truck and heavy equipment dealers, railroads, and marine operations using tug and fishing boats. Graduates may also work in industrial maintenance, auto, and RV repair.
LCC's Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology program is one of the few accepted for membership in the National Fluid Power Association.
Students may enter the program any quarter and may transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree in Diesel Power at several baccalaureate institutions.
Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Degrees Available at LCC
Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Courses - current quarter
Program Cards
More information about the Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Program
More Information about Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Courses
A Career with a Future
A national shortage of diesel technicians means graduates are in demand. Diesel/heavy equipment technicians have a wide variety of employment possibilities, including:
- truck repair
- earthmoving equipment repair
- mining equipment repair
- farming equipment repair
- marine engine repair
- industrial maintenance repair
- material handling equipment repair
- power generating equipment repair
- railroad equipment repair
- component rebuild
- sales
Explore Careers
Future Earnings
Graduates earning an Associate in Applied Science degree can expect to earn $13 to $17 per hour, increasing to $23-28 after five years. Journeymen technicians often earn $80,000 or more per year. Diesel program graduates' skills are in demand both locally and globally.
Bachelor Degree Option
Students who are interested in management and factory service careers can transfer to Montana State University - Northern in Havre, Montana. An agreement between Lower Columbia College and MSU enables LCC Diesel grads to enter the MSU Bachelor of Science degree program with junior standing.
Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Faculty
Related Programs and Courses
Automotive Technology - provides a strong combination of classroom theory and hands-on practice, with courses based on competencies established by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation.
Individualized Certificate Program - custom-designed worksite based learning programs, including Transportation Manager and Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in-Training.
Machine Trades - prepares students for careers as machinists, millwrights, tool and die makers, or other occupations related to manufacturing. Manufacturing
Manufacturing - industries that make products from metal, plastics, wood, and other materials, as well as those producing solar panels, biofuels, energy, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, semiconductors, and a host of other traditional and green products need employees capable of running and servicing sophisticated machinery. Welding
Welding Technology - prepare for the state commercial welding examination or qualify for welding jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, or instruction.
> all Fields of Study- degree and certificate programs.
> Continuing Education - personal or career training programs and courses.
> Overview of Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology - see Program Cards