Starting Salary
​33k

Job Growth:
Rising Need

Salary
35k - 58k

Check

Out

Heavy

​Equipment
students in front of heavy equipment Picture
Image was taken pre-pandemic.
Course Description
Students will be trained in the operation, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment, farm machinery and heavy duty trucks.  Topics of study include: principles of the diesel engine, alternative fuel sources, drive train, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical systems, hydraulics, landscaping, agriculture, conservation, welding, and preventive maintenance. This program is designed to meet the growing demand for technicians and operators in the transportation, construction and agricultural fields.  
Course Content
  • Diesel engine operation and repair
  • Suspension and steering operation and repair
  • Air brake operation and repair
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Shop safety
  • Welding
  • Forklift operation
  • Basic mechanical skills
  • Backhoe operation
  • CDL pre-trip inspection
Career Opportunities Can Include:
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Truck Technician
  • Small Engine Technician
  • Diesel Engine Technician
  • Heavy Duty Truck Mechanic
  • Construction Equipment Mechanic
  • Equipment Salesperson
  • Truck Driver
  • Opportunities as State, County or Town Municipal Workers or Equipment Operator

College Agreements with:

Dale Kinney

Heavy Equipment Teacher

Thank you for considering Heavy Equipment. I have been serving high school students at TST BOCES since 2014. I actually graduated years ago from the same program that I am instructing here on campus. I have obtained an Associate’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering at SUNY Morrisville and have taken continuing education classes at SUNY Oswego.  I have a New York State inspector’s license for light and heavy duty vehicles.  I hold a current Class A commercial driver’s license with all endorsements including tow truck operating. I also have completed 40-hour OSHA training and confined space training.  I have attended several factory trainings with heavy truck and agricultural equipment manufacturers.  Through my mechanical  and equipment operating experience gained by working in both public and private industries, I have learned skills to pass on to students to help them become successful in this ever changing world. I believe the most important part of the program is the students, and I care to make this a positive experience as you start your life’s journey.

Jeff Brockway

Heavy Equipment Teacher

Testimonials

Eric Burroughs
Corporate Service Manager of Cazenovia Equipment

"The Heavy Equipment program at TST BOCES allows students to gain an understanding of a variety of mechanical theories and technical systems. Students experience learning from classroom instruction and hands-on with tools used in today’s repair field. Helping them gain life skills in addition to a broad range of mechanical knowledge is also a key goal of the program. Dale and his team have gone above and beyond to get to know the students and challenge them as they determine their career path. The instructors work diligently to offer students the opportunity to work at real businesses and hear from employers on the rewarding jobs available and the qualities they are looking for in today’s fast paced environment.  Cazenovia Equipment certainly has experienced the challenges of recruiting today's workforce. Having a resource such as the Heavy Equipment program has given us another valuable avenue to reach the next generation of workforce at an earlier age. "

Mack Rankin
Town of Groton Highway Department

James Emmick
2021 Lansing Alum
"The Heavy Equipment program was a great way to jump start my career as an operator. Hands on work in the classroom, and out in the field, kept me interested and motivated to pursue this line of work. Multiple skills, and life lessons learned, and the internships set up through the Career and Tech Center gave me a real edge once entering the "real world". This experience has opened so many doors, and given me some great opportunities. At my current job, we often have interns come through, and I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to coach that very intern that I used to be, all in a big thanks to TST BOCES."
"In early 2019 my School went to the open house for the Career and Tech center to see what we wanted to do once Junior year came to us. I visited two programs that day: Heavy Equipment and Nursing. At the time I wanted to go into the Air Force to be a Para-rescueman, or an Airborne combat medic. Summer went on and my plans changed. I emailed my counselor in a panic hoping that I could change to the Heavy Equipment program. She told me I could, and I was very relieved and excited. Just like that the first day of school was here. I walked into Mr. Kinney’s classroom and I instantly knew it’s where I wanted to be.  I have had so many opportunities here than I would at my home school. I’m in the process of getting my Class B CDL, and I wouldn’t have had any clue how to drive a semi without the help of Mr. Kinney. This class has given me more of a reason to go to school than anything else ever has. I have seriously considered dropping out, but Heavy Equipment has given me reason to stay and continue my education and allow myself to use my full potential to be successful in the real world."

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