 |
CAT® Dealer Prep
CAT® Dealer Prep is a Caterpillar dealer-sponsored heavy equipment technician program. An important feature of the program is that each semester a student alternates seven and one-half weeks on campus and seven and one-half weeks at the dealership. This intensive method of study and practice prepares a high performance technician that the participating Caterpillar dealers demand. After six semesters of on-campus classes and paid internships, graduates typically stay with the dealership as a full time employee. Technicians diagnose problems, disassemble and examine for defects and excessive wear, recondition or replace parts. They test and adjust components and systems to insure proper operation and to prevent failures. They use sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Personal computers are used for diagnostics, record keeping and communications within the shops, offices and with customers. Individuals completing this program will find many opportunities with Caterpillar dealerships. Some of the areas within a dealership include, truck engines, industrial engines, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment and component specialist. A student can expect nearly 100% job placement rate, low faculty/student ratio and paid student internships.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to upgrade the technical competency and professional level of incoming CAT® Dealership service technicians. It will train CAT® Dealer Prep students to analytically diagnose, service and maintain Caterpillar products using recommended procedures, special tools, and service information. It will provide course content that will enable successful graduates to advance in position after additional experience, and to understand new systems and components as they are introduced. Program Structure
The two year, six semester program incorporates approximately one-half of the time designated for technical / academic education at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee. The remaining time is allocated for on-the-job experience at sponsoring CAT® dealerships. Each block of technical education and general education course work is followed by an immediate dealership work experience time period that reinforces the technical education. These time periods are approximately 7 ½ weeks in length each. It is essential for the success of the program that the students' education at OSU-Okmulgee and dealership work experiences be closely aligned for maximum student learning and retention. Since considerable time is spent at the dealership it is a requirement of the program that students have a sponsoring CAT® dealership prior to enrollment. The primary responsibility for the dealership is to provide training-related employment for the students during their dealership learning / work experience, internship.
Program Curriculum
Technical training on Caterpillar equipment and components includes the latest developments in: Engine Repair; Hydraulic Systems; Electrical and Electronic Systems; Test Procedures and Diagnostic Tools. In addition to the technical curriculum, courses will be offered in areas such as Math; Composition/Technical Writing; Psychology, U.S. History; U.S. Government; Business and Ethics to provide students with the background necessary for effective communication of ideas and the development on interpersonal skills. |
The CAT® Dealer Prep Program is a cooperative two-year college level Student Technician education program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in CAT® erpillar Service Technology. The Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, working in close relationship with the sponsoring CAT® dealers, administer the program activities. The Program is exclusively by and for the sponsoring CAT® dealerships.
All tuition, fees, textbooks, travel expenses and housing costs are the responsibility of the student. In addition to these costs, the students are required to purchase a prescribed tool set if they do not already have one.