The Heavy Equipment Technology Program is designed to provide students with the theory and hands-on skills relevant to repair fundamentals and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment found on construction sites. Specialized classroom and lab experiences are designed to provide instruction in systems and components of heavy equipment. Students begin with safety, tools/fasteners and preventive maintenance basics. Students also learn to inspect, repair and replace components of the suspension, steering, brake, engine, cooling, fuel, electrical/electronic, air intake and exhaust, clutches, transmissions, air conditioning systems, hydraulics/ hydrostatics as well as drive lines/rear axles/final drives, and drive motors. Welding processes and safety techniques are also taught. Students will be taught computer diagnostic skills as a tool to troubleshoot electronic problems. Students may achieve certification in air conditioning and/or electronic control for newer equipment. In their final year, students also learn the safe basic operation of trucks, tractors, skid steers, backhoes, dozers and excavators. Graduates of this program are well prepared and find exciting careers as diesel engine specialists, heavy equipment mechanics and apprentice technicians.
Berks Career & Technology Center-East Campus is a destination for ambitious students seeking to advance their practical and theoretical knowledge. This institution empowers learners with diverse, career-specific programs designed to help them meet their individual goals while also addressing the needs of the larger job market. Esteemed faculty members offer their insights and experience, facilitating a learning environment that encourages intellectual growth and hands-on practical expertise. Through this, students emerge as proficient professionals, ready to step into their chosen career fields. Striving to become more than an educational system, Berks Career & Technology Center-East Campus is committed to instilling a sense of responsibility and a spirit of innovation in its students, thus illustrating the profound impact education can have on individuals and society as a whole. Rooted in a tradition of excellence, this institution exemplifies the possibilities of vocational education and serves as a testament to its undeniable relevance in today's dynamic world.