Heavy-Duty Truck Technician

Master Truck Technology from Basic Theory to Advanced Diagnostics

Two CWI Students working on a truck transmission

Program Overview

Rev up your career with precision and power! Dive deep into the world of heavy-duty truck technology, where hands-on expertise meets cutting-edge innovation. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the Heavy-Duty Truck Technician program is your ticket to a dynamic career in this field. Accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), this program offers comprehensive, entry-level training in the theory, service, diagnosis, and repair of on-highway heavy-duty trucks.

The program is split into two parts including hands-on training and basic theory followed by troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures. With access to nearly a dozen different heavy-duty trucks, you will gain practical experience in real repair procedures. The program also includes the opportunity to earn numerous industry-recognized certifications, enhancing your credibility and employability in the heavy-duty truck technician job market.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Advanced Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

Program Exploration

Program Exploration – April 29

Learn more about the Heavy-Duty Truck Technician program, meet the instructors, and get your questions answered!

RSVP TODAY

Student working on a Detroit engine

Learning Opportunities

  • Real Truck Experience: Get hands-on with actual heavy-duty trucks, applying and honing your repair skills.
  • Comprehensive Training: Engage comprehensive, entry-level training, from theory to real-world application.
  • Internship Opportunities: Gain experience and build professional connections through partnerships with local companies.
  • Industry Recognized Certifications: Boost your resume with certifications that showcase your technical competency.
  • Career Advancement: Develop interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise, preparing you for advancement in the industry.

Local Industry Partnerships

Your education at CWI is supported by local industry providing direction on curriculum and access to shop tours, internships, and employment opportunities. Our industry partners also provide sponsorship for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program accreditation you will benefit from as a student in this program. Partnerships include JG Peterbilt, Kenworth Sales, Freightliner Northwest, Peak Thermoking, NorthWest Equipment, and Rush Truck Centers.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Heavy-Duty Truck Technician – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Heavy-Duty Truck Technician – Advanced Technical Certificate

Heavy-Duty Truck Technician working on truck engine

Career Opportunities

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).

    81

    Annual Openings*

    $18.17

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,794

    Annual Median Salary

    21.3%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

    39

    Annual Openings*

    $22.47

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,738

    Annual Median Salary

    9.5%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

    Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $14.29

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $29,723

    Annual Median Salary

    23.73%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Transportation Inspectors

    Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $48.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,984

    Annual Median Salary

    6.36%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Heavy-Duty Truck Technician as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

STEP 3

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

Clubs

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SkillsUSA

College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.

News

Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!

Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events

"Because of CWI, I am in a position to give back to my community and be a role model to those around me."

Read more about Giving Back

Joshua Oquendo, a Heavy Duty Truck Technician student, received a $1,250 national scholarship. 

Read more about Oquendo Named New Century Workforce Scholar

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals

FedEx Freight donates a Kenworth semi-truck to CWI’s Heavy Duty Truck Technician program.

Read more about FedEx Donates Truck to College

Career and Technical Education students nominated by instructors as Emerging Professionals for 2018/19 academic year.

Read more about Emerging Professionals Nominated for Commitment, Talent, and Potential

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

In honor of former CWI Trustee S. Hatch Barrett, the CWI Foundation and the Barrett Family have established a scholarship fund.

Read more about Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a CWI Founder

A group of CWI students and recent graduates also won medals in a school record five events.

Read more about CWI Celebrates First SkillsUSA National Title

For CWI alum Steve Silva, a chance encounter turned into a golden opportunity when he decided to get involved with SkillsUSA.

Read more about Chance Encounter Leads to Golden Opportunity

Students from the CWI Heavy Duty Truck Technician program experienced a valuable field trip on March 9 to the East Boise Port of Entry.

Read more about CWI’s Heavy Duty Truck Students Join Inspections at Port of Entry

On May 6, the CWI Diesel Technology programs recognized two students who have been selected as recipients of $1,000 tools scholarships.

Read more about 2014 Mike Rowe Scholarship Recipients Named
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