Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Apprenticeship

The Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Certificate of Achievement centers on teaching students the major components, tear down, rebuilding, and troubleshooting of Caterpillar diesel engines and machines. The coursework provides the students with skills for entry-level positions as a Caterpillar Machine Technician. Curriculum content is based on industry standards and skills that can be applied to many heavy equipment machines. Students can attain skills using state-of-the-art equipment and trainers while working on real Caterpillar diesel engines and machines. Through a selected progression of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and troubleshooting courses, the student will be able to function as a Caterpillar diesel engine and machine technician/mechanic. The objective of this certificate is to offer students opportunities to gain skills and knowledge in Caterpillar Machine technology. San Joaquin Delta College in partnership with local industry has developed an academic program that prepares the students for the certificate in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician apprenticeship program. This aligns their skills with current industry standards and certifications. Industry recognized that certifications provide measurable benefits to Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician students and their employers and requested a certificate program be developed. This certificate builds upon the Caterpillar Dealer Engine Technician Apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement and will prepare students to complete the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Associate in Science degree. 

The Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program at San Joaquin Delta College is projected to have 27 “annual completers” for the 2023 cohort and 32 “annual completers” for the 2024 cohort. With continued Caterpillar Dealer support the goal is to have 38 “annual completers” after the program is fully established. Based on the attached Caterpillar Certificate Enrollment Success & Retention Rates 2020-2022 report the 20-21 Success Rate for ALL CAT classes was 100% and the Retention Rate was 98.7%. The 21-22 Success Rate for ALL CAT classes was also 99.9% and the Retention Rate was 100%.

The apprentices will be qualified to perform service, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of Caterpillar diesel engines and Machines.

The apprentices will be qualified to perform service, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of Caterpillar starting and charging electrical systems.

The apprentices will be qualified to perform service, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of Caterpillar fuel management systems.

The apprentices will be qualified to perform service, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of Caterpillar hydraulic systems.