SouthWestern Association Dealer Prep

The SouthWestern Association Industrial and Farm Equipment Technician 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 Industrial & Farm Equipment Technology. The Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute at OSU Institute of Technology, working in close relationship with the sponsoring SouthWestern Association members, administer the program activities. The program is exclusively by and for SouthWestern Association Members.

The SouthWestern Association Program is a cooperative two-year college level Student Technician education program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, working in close relationship with the sponsoring SW Association dealers, administer the program activities. The Program is exclusively by and for the sponsoring SW Association dealerships.

Program Purpose

The purpose of the program is to upgrade the technical competency and professional level of incoming SW Association Dealership service technicians. It will train students to analytically diagnose, service and maintain agricultural and industrial 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 SW Association 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 Institute of Technology 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 SW Association 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.

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.

Program Curriculum

Technical training on agricultural and industrial 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; 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.