Classes in Heavy Equipment Repair Technician Program Start Aug. 29

Certificate and associate degree courses provide the knowledge needed to be a repair technician in growing industry

If you like the idea of fixing heavy-duty machinery like road excavators, bulldozers, pavers and giant cranes, two new classes in OCC's new Heavy Equipment Repair program are being offered this fall to get you on the path...or, in this case, an important new road, with great opportunity.  

Offered in partnership with AIS Construction Equipment OCC’s new courses in Diesel Fuel Systems and Equipment Powertrain provide students with anHeavy Equip opportunity for hands-on learning in the field and at the College’s state of the art labs at its Auburn Hills campus.  

 Students who complete the heavy equipment program will be qualified for a variety of jobs such as heavy equipment repair mechanic; industrial machine mechanic; bus and truck mechanic; or farm equipment mechanic. The annual average salary for a heavy equipment repair technician in southeast Michigan is more than $61,000.  

“The heavy equipment industry is growing at a pace that far exceeds the supply of qualified technicians, and Oakland Community College, along with AIS Construction Equipment, are now working together to fill that need,” said Claude Townsend, OCC faculty and program coordinator. “The future of heavy equipment is dependent on private industry and educators working together.”   

A heavy equipment repair technician is responsible for the repair on a variety of heavy-duty construction and road equipment. The certificate and associate degree courses provide students with the knowledge needed to be a repair technician and focuses on the repair of all systems used in heavy equipment, including diesel engines, fuel systems, powertrain, electronics and hydraulics.  

Students need to complete 43 credit hours to earn the certificate and 63 credit hours for the associate degree.  The program’s two fall semester heavy equipment courses will be taught at the AIS Construction location in New Hudson, while the automotive repair and welding courses that are part of the curriculum will be taught on OCC’s Auburn Hills campus.   

For more information on the Heavy Equipment Technician program, visit http://catalog.oaklandcc.edu/programs/heavy-equipment-repair/ or contact program coordinator Claude Townsend at cftownse@oaklandcc.edu.  

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About OCC

Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and one of the top transfer institutions in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.

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