Think Big: Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program

Program Overview

Get a jump start on a great career working with Caterpillar equipment. The Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program is a sure catalyst for personal growth and a rewarding, lifelong career. This four-year, state-approved apprenticeship program is centered solely around Caterpillar equipment training through the Heavy Equipment & Diesel Technology Department at San Joaquin Delta College.

Current technology and emerging technological advances constantly increase innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in a truly global economy. To meet the new challenges of advancing technology in the workplace, San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC) is in partnering with Caterpillar and its dealerships to produce high-performance technicians ready to fill productive roles in both business and society, today, and into the future.

Students who complete this program are projected to earn excellent pay, have stable employment and receive one of the best benefits packages in the industry. So, if you're interested in a career associated with the biggest name in the heavy equipment industry, the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program is for you.

Certificate and Degree Options

Certificates

Caterpillar Dealer Engine Technician Apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement

Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement

Degrees

Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Apprenticeship, AS

For certificate and degree requirements, please visit the College Catalog.

Program Information

Program Structure and Curriculum

Program Structure

During the first two years, the program devotes approximately half of the time to technical/academic education at SJDC. The remaining time is for on-the-job experience at sponsoring CAT dealerships. Each block of technical and general education is followed by an immediate dealer internship which reinforces the technical education. These intern periods are approximately eight weeks in length each. It is essential for the success of the program that the student's education at SJDC and the dealership work experience be closely aligned for maximum learning and retention. This is a paid internship that provides the student with the opportunity to pay for his/her education while receiving valuable work experience. College fees, textbooks, travel expenses, and housing costs are the responsibility of the student. A prescribed toolset will be provided to each student to use while enrolled in this program.

During the last two years of the program, students will be full-time apprentice technicians at the sponsoring CAT dealership receiving additional on-the-job training. receiving additional on-the-job training and experience. Upon completion of the entire program, students will receive state journey-level certification. This intensive method of study and practice prepares individuals to be the kind of high-performance technicians Caterpillar dealerships demand.

Curriculum

Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician students can earn an Associate of Science degree and two years of credit towards a four-year state journey-level certificate. Technical training on Caterpillar equipment and componentry includes the latest developments in engine repair, hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic systems, test procedures and diagnostic tools. In addition to the technical curriculum, general education courses will be offered to provide students with the background necessary for effective communication of ideas and the development of interpersonal skills. Such courses include mathematics, composition and technical writing, business and ethics, and others. See Complete Curriculum

On-the-Job Training

The internship and apprenticeship phases of the program allow students to apply what they have learned during the previous classroom/lab sessions, in a "real world" setting. In addition, students will become familiar with the dealership environment, its organizational structure, and the competencies that are expected of a professional service technician.

Responsibilities

STUDENT

What is expected of the student

Obtain and maintain a Caterpillar dealer sponsor throughout the program
Provide sponsoring CAT dealership with responsible and productive work effort
Participate in all learning activities at scheduled times
Maintain academic standards and adhere to academic policies (minimum 2.0 GPA) according to SJDC policy
Maintain dealership attendance standards
Be responsible for program costs: fees, books, housing, etc.
Wear work uniforms, safety glasses and recommended personal safety equipment during campus class/labs and dealer internship experience

SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE

What students can expect from SJDC

Provide faculty dedicated to the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program
Provide necessary time to initially train and update the faculty
Provide facility dedicated to the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program including classrooms, labs, etc.
Appoint a Caterpillar Service Technology Program coordinator
Provide advisement for students of the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program
Maintain up-to-date tools and equipment
Grant the Associate of Science degree in Caterpillar Service Technology to graduates
Inform sponsoring dealers of the student's progress
Assist dealerships with student selection and recruitment
Work with the dealership coordinator to assure involvement in internships
Conduct student visitations during internships
Establish a Caterpillar Service Technology Advisory Committee

CATERPILLAR DEALERSHIP

What students can expect from their CAT dealer

Agree to act as a sponsoring dealership
Appoint in-dealership coordinator
Recruit, interview, and select prospective student(s)
Provide dealership coordinated internship experience
Provide related work/learning experiences to supplement student's most recent instruction
Agree to pay the student during periods of dealer internship
Provide work uniforms for the student enrolled in the program
Assist in obtaining equipment and training aids
Participate in the Caterpillar Advisory Committee meetings
Complete student evaluation forms during each internship
Advise the college of concerns or changes in student status with the dealership
Provide a loaner tool set

Requirements

Basic Requirements

Applicant must meet the following:

18 years of age or older by the time of the first internship period
a high school graduate or possess any one of the following
- General Education Development (GED) certification
- California High School Proficiency (CHSP) certificate
- Associate or higher degree.
submit an official transcript from a high school or any applicable college/university (or GED or CHSP) with the application to the program.
be able to meet SJDC and CAT dealership admission and academic requirements.
sponsored by a CAT dealership.
possess a valid driver's license and maintain an employable driving record.
willing to submit to a drug test if requested by dealership sponsor.
willing to submit to a background check.
be sincere about becoming the best service technician he/she can be.

Admissions Requirements

Participants must:

complete an application to a sponsoring Caterpillar dealer
provide a high school transcript
complete the college academic placement and mechanical aptitude tests
selected applicants will be interviewed by dealer management and a dealer program representative
upon dealer acceptance, screened applicants will receive a provisional acceptance
final acceptance is made upon successful completion of the required drug and physical test
Dealerships will notify students of final acceptance into the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program