START BUILDING YOUR FUTURE. TODAY.

The heavy equipment industry offers tons of opportunities for people with the right skills and education to meet growing demand. Western States Cat offers an innovative and unique program that provides the education and hands-on training you need to become a Caterpillar trained technician.

WESTERN STATES TECH ACADEMY

The Western States Cat Technician Academy is an elite program includes 8 months of instructor-led classes and labs at the Western States Equipment campus. This is ideal for recent high school graduates, individuals who have operated or worked on machines and individuals who are interested in working on machines. Students will learn about engine fundamentals, powertrains, machine hydraulics, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions and torque converters, undercarriages, final drives and more. Once the classroom requirements are complete, students will have a 2-month paid internship in a designated branch within the Western States territory.

During the paid 2-month internship at WSECO, students will work under the guidance of experienced technicians and mentors and will apply their education in one of our state-of-the-art facilities. Upon successful completion of the Tech Academy, student interns will have the opportunity to join the WSECO team as full-time technicians.

For more information email us [email protected] 

QUESTION & ANSWER

PROGRAMS

What are the expectations of attending the Tech Academy?

  • Actively engage in safety, having a positive safety attitude and following all safety policies and procedures.
  • Embrace all Western States values.
  • You are expected to meet attendance and performance criteria.
  • Attendance means participants will be on time and will have a good attendance record.
  • Poor attendance will be grounds for dismissal.
  • Performance means that you actively participate in all classes, discussions, complete your assignments, and pass the tests.
  • You need to maintain a positive attitude and treat you classmates, instructors, and co-workers professionally.
  • Failure to meet the performance expectations will be grounds for dismissal.
  • In addition to these expectations, participants in the program need to adhere to the expectations and standards outlined in the student handbook.

Employment

When do you become an employee of Western States Cat?

  • Participants in the Western States Cat Tech Academy are not considered employees.
  • Participants become full time employees upon successful completion of upon successful completion of Tech Academy and offer of employment has been extended and accepted.

Are you guaranteed a job by attending the Tech Academy?

  • No, acceptance does not mean you are guaranteed a job.
  • The program performance and attendance expectations associated that must be met for completion and a job offer.
  • There are academic requirements which must be met.
  • Formal job offers are extended to those students who successfully complete the program.

Benefits

Are you eligible for benefits?

  • Benefits are offered upon becoming a full-time employee at Western States.
  • Western States offers a wide variety of valuable benefits to our employees.

Housing

Is housing available?

  • Due to the longer duration of the program, you will need to make arrangements for your own housing.

Financial Aid

Is a payment plan available?

  • Students may pay for the program on a monthly basis.

Tooling

Do you need your own tools?

  • While attending the program, a basic tool set is provided.
  • Upon graduation, you will be required to provide the tooling you need to perform your job duties.
  • Tool sets will be available at discounted rates for program graduates to purchase.

 

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INFO FOR PARENTS

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

As a parent, one of life’s biggest transitions is when your child graduates from high school. There are lots of choices to be made. You can help in this process by encouraging your child to consider skilled trades careers, including becoming a heavy equipment and truck technician.

WHY?

The diesel and heavy equipment skilled trades offer great career opportunities to men and women who enjoy working with their hands and are mechanically inclined. The schooling required to become proficient in these trades get the student productively working more quickly than many programs and can be done through a diesel technical program such as Tech Academy. Plus, the need of these jobs is only going to increase.

PROGRAM

Western States Tech Academy – This program provides the education and training necessary to be a Caterpillar technician. The program offers 8 months of courses plus a two-month internship at one of the Western States locations.

ADVANTAGES

  • Accredited Program. The Western States Tech Academy is accredited by the Association of Equipment Distributors.
  • Quick Earning Potential. Once enrolled, students are in the classroom learning right away and building skills during the following internship periods. Start to finish, it’s faster and less expensive than college and gets your son or daughter out into the workforce and making money quicker.
  • Portable Skills. Skilled tradespeople have the ability to live where the work is and work where they want to live. The five-state Western States Cat region includes multiple locations where the cost of living is good and the quality of life is attractive.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition & Fees

  • Tuition is $8,000.
  • Tuition includes everything needed for the program – uniforms, tools, laptop.

Financial Aid

  • Students can set up a monthly payment plan.

REQUIREMENTS

Housing

  • Housing is the responsibility of the program participant.

Tooling

  • While a participants. tools will be provided at no cost.
  • Tool options vary by program, but upon graduation form all the programs, tools will be available to graduates for purchase at a reduced price and with an interest-free payment plan.
  • Tools are required for all technician positions.
  • Most technicians start with a base set of tools and build their toolboxes over time.