The heavy equipment industry is anticipating significant growth over the next few years. To meet the expected demand for these high-tech and hands-on careers, Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology (HEATT) Department is partnering with Carolina Tractor, the Caterpillar dealer for western North Carolina, to establish the Carolina CAT Service Technician Program at the College’s North Campus in Huntersville, N.C. To show its support of the program, Carolina CAT presented CPCC with a check for $20,000 to provide student scholarships for the program.

“This new 12-month program will blend Carolina Tractor’s industry techniques with CPCC’s state-of-the-art facilities to create a unique learning experience for students,” said Tony Zeiss, president of CPCC, at the joint press conference event. “Upon completion of the program, students will earn a curriculum diploma and be prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level service technician in just 12 months.”

Program features include:

• courses focused on heavy equipment sold and serviced by Carolina Tractor.

• hands-on activities, including training on Caterpillar and allied equipment.

• classes led by CPCC’s quality faculty and Caterpillar technical trainers.

• an eight-week Cooperative Education Experience with Carolina CAT.

• a convenient location (classes will be offered at CPCC’s North Campus).

“We’re excited about this new partnership with CPCC,” said Ed Weisiger Jr., president and CEO of Carolina CAT. “Not only will students learn industry-leading techniques from our highly qualified trainers, but they will also be given the opportunity to participate in an eight-week cooperative education experience with Carolina Tractor that will give them the real world experience they need to be successful in the heavy equipment industry.”

CPCC and Carolina CAT held an open house April 2 at the college’s North Campus for those who were interested in the new program.

The College’s new Carolina CAT Service Technician Program begins August 2011.

For more information, visit www.cpcc.edu.

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