Diesel and heavy equipment technicians repair and maintain transportation equipment, such as heavy trucks, buses, locomotives, ships, and automobiles; construction equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and road graders; and farm equipment such as tractors and combines. They also service a variety of other diesel-powered equipment, such as electric generators and forklifts. Many technicians perform a broad range of repairs from engines to electrical systems. Others specialize in repairs such as fuel and starting systems. Diesel and heavy equipment technicians use a variety of computerized testing equipment to pinpoint and analyze malfunctions as well as numerous power and hand tools to perform repairs.

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician Program is a two-year program providing job entry skills in service and repair of transportation, construction, industrial, and farm equipment. In addition to providing a foundation in the latest diesel technologies, the program improves skills needed to interpret technical manuals and communicate with coworkers and customers. Students in the program develop a broad base of skills, allowing them to enter the large and ever-expanding field of diesel and heavy equipment service and repair.