Here’s something to get your motor running: Madison College is a Top 5 diesel training school – and offers paid internships.
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Image of Instructor and Students
ASE
Automotive Service Excellence
Master Certified Instructors
100%
Student Satisfaction
100% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
100%
Employed
100% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician
Program Number: 324121
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
54 Credits | Finish diploma in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Tuition

$9,714.28

$7,746.30 Tuition
$1,967.98 Materials/Supplemental Costs
$0.00 Other Costs
  • Program Overview

    Madison College is one of the top five diesel schools in the nation, according to SkillsUSA. MATC's Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program works with an active advisory committee made up of over 30 local industry businesses, with industry partners throughout Wisconsin. Students who choose the Associate Degree Path (AAS) will put in 432 hours of work as a PAID intern with one of our industry partners, gaining more hands-on, real-world experience and receiving a jumpstart on an excellent career.

    Students in Madison College's Diesel program learn real and relevant curriculum that meets and exceeds standards set by the ASE Education Foundation and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

    The Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program is certified by the ASE Education Foundation and by Automotive Service Excellence and holds master certification in medium/heavy duty trucks.

    As a student in the Diesel program, you will diagnose, service and repair:

    • Engines and heavy-duty fuel systems
    • After treatment and emissions systems
    • Transmissions, drivelines and brakes
    • Steering and suspension systems
    • Electrical and electronic systems
    • Hydraulic systems 
    • Air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems 

    You will also: 

    • Learn workplace safety standards.
    • Develop relationships with industry partners.
    • Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems.
    • Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry.
    • Work on diesel trucks in simulated shop environments.

    Program Details​

    Students in the Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program attend full-time.

    Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your two-year technical diploma in the Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:  

    • Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician
    • Fleet Maintenance Technician
    • Fuel Injection Technician
    • Alignment Specialist
    • Engine Rebuild Specialist

    With additional education and/or experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Service Writer or Manager
    • Shop Foreman
    • Team Leader
    • DOT Inspector
    • Factory Service Representative
    • Fleet Maintenance Manager

    Program Video

    Watch this video and learn more about the Diesel program and career opportunities.

    Diesel Techs
    iframe added here via JS.

     

    Follow Us on Social Media

    Connect with us on social media to learn more about Diesel programs at Madison College

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2022-2023 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Pre-Program Course
    A grade of C or better in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as pre-requisite to courses in the program.
    10-412-100
    2 credits
    First Semester
    10-804-107
    3 credits
    10-412-155
    4 credits
    10-412-164
    4 credits
    Second Semester
    Third/Summer Semester
    Fourth Semester
    10-412-138
    2 credits
    10-412-175
    2 credits
    10-412-177
    3 credits
    10-412-188
    3 credits
    Fifth Semester
    10-412-112
    3 credits
    10-412-184
    2 credits
    10-412-185
    4 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2023

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2023

    Spring 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2024

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion
    Students must submit official transcripts for one of the following:

    • High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0, or
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.

    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    MATC Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program graduates are prepared to:  

    • Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
    • Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
    • Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and the heavy equipment industry.
    • Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
    • Project a professional image by acts of timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      201920202021
      Number of Program Graduates457
      Number of Surveys Sent457
      Number of Surveys Returned233
      Percent of Surveys Returned50.00%60.00%42.90%
      Available for Employment233
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Not in Labor Market000
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Available for Employment

      201920202021
      Graduates Employed233
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation233
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      201920202021
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)33.73
      Number of Satisfaction Responses233
      Very Satisfied (4)020
      Percent Very Satisfied0.00%66.70%0.00%
      Satisfied (3)213
      Percent Satisfied100.00%33.30%100.00%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)000
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      201920202021
      Number of Primary Reason Responses233
      Preparation for Getting a Job121
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job50.00%66.70%33.30%
      Career Change010
      Percent Career Change0.00%33.30%0.00%
      Improvement of Existing Skills002
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.00%0.00%66.70%
      Preparation for Further Education000
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Personal Interest100
      Percent Personal Interest50.00%0.00%0.00%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      201920202021
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses233
      Before Enrollment010
      Percent Before Enrollment0.00%33.30%0.00%
      While Attending the College222
      Percent While Attending the College100.00%66.70%66.70%
      After Training at the College001
      Percent After Training at the College0.00%0.00%33.30%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      201920202021
      Number of Employment Location Responses233
      In College District233
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%100.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend201920202021
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count132
      Average Monthly Wage$3,440$3,282$4,128
      Average Hourly Wage$20.00$19.08$24.00
      Average Work Hours per Week4058.353.3
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2021
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Carl F Statz & SonsDiesel MechanicWaunakee
      Wille Truck ServiceDiesel TechnicianOregon

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Se habla Español.

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm  phone or email only