Career and Program Description
This program is a partnership between Portland Community College, Caterpillar Corp and the four Northwest Caterpillar dealerships. It is an industry specific two-year associate degree program with required on-the-job training/internships at a sponsoring Caterpillar dealership. It is designed to prepare individuals to become qualified Caterpillar service technicians. Students learn how to work on many types of Caterpillar equipment including agricultural, construction, forestry, power generation, and earth moving equipment.
The Dealer Service Technology Program combines technical and academic education with real world experience through paid on the job training. Students learn about engine fundamentals, machine hydraulics, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, torque converters, undercarriage, final drives and more. During the four paid internships students have the opportunity to experience a future career firsthand through on-the-job training. Upon completion of the program students will earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Portland Community College.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Caterpillar Electric Power- ThinkBIG
Dealer Service Technology
Academic Prerequisites
- Applicants must take the placement test administered through the testing center at PCC, or a center provided by their CAT dealer contact person.
- Required minimum program entrance level requirements: placement into WR 115 or higher, placement into RD 115 or higher and placement into MTH 60 or higher.
- This is a limited entry program.
- Application and acceptance process: All prospective students must apply to PCC and their prospective sponsoring CAT dealership. For details on final program acceptance and other information contact 971-722-7465.
Academic Requirements
- Students must meet general education and comprehensive degree requirements.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- Prospective students must sign a release of information form to allow their CAT dealership access to their educational records and PCC the ability to share information with the dealership. To begin the program, students must secure a paid CAT dealer internship (required to stay in program).
- Final selection for this program is based on the capacity of each CAT dealership’s allotted seats in the program and actual hire as a CAT intern by a sponsoring CAT dealership. This is a two year, nine term program (24 months).
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Caterpillar Electric Power-ThinkBIG
Dealer Service Technology
Caterpillar Electric Power-ThinkBIG AAS Degree
Minimum 95 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Math/computation competency is met through the courses in the program of study indicated with a § symbol. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Caterpillar Electric Power-ThinkBIG Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APR 103 | LME: AC Motors & Transformers | 4 |
| or APR 123 | AC Theory for Motors and Transformers | |
| DST 110 | Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals | 8 |
| DST 111 | Introduction to Caterpillar Service Industry | 3 |
| DST 112 | Caterpillar Hydraulic Fundamentals § | 4 |
| DST 113 | Caterpillar Engine Fuel Systems | 4 |
| DST 114 | Fundamentals of Electrical Systems § | 4 |
| DST 150 | Caterpillar Service Technology Internship | 12 |
| DST 201 | Machine Electronic Systems | 4 |
| DST 202 | Caterpillar Engine Performance | 3 |
| DST 210 | Generators and EPG Calculations | 3 |
| DST 211 | Control Panels and Data Links | 3 |
| DST 212 | Voltage Regulation | 3 |
| DST 213 | Automatic Transfer Switches | 3 |
| DST 270 | Caterpillar Electric Power Generation Internship | 12 |
| WLD 217 | Diesel Welding | 3 |
| WR 121 | Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z | 4 |
| AC/DC Theory Electives | 3 | |
| Advanced AC Electrical Electives | 3 | |
| General Education: 4 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 95 | |
- §
Course cannot be substituted with another course.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. WR 121 and WR 121Z are equivalent.
AC/DC Theory Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APR 102 | LME: DC Motors | 3 |
| APR 122 | AC/DC Motors Principles | 3 |
| EPG 102 | AC/DC Theory | 6 |
Advanced AC Electrical Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APR 124 | Electrical Systems Operations | 3 |
| APR 201 | Electrical Motor Controls | 2 |
| APR 221 | Advanced AC Circuitry | 3 |
| APR 223 | Motor Control Operations including PLC's | 3 |
Dealer Service Technology AAS Degree
Minimum 97 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Math/computation competency is met through the courses in the program of study indicated with a § symbol. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DST 110 | Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals | 8 |
| DST 111 | Introduction to Caterpillar Service Industry | 3 |
| WLD 217 | Diesel Welding | 3 |
| Second Term | ||
| DST 150 | Caterpillar Service Technology Internship (Part I) | 6 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Third Term | ||
| DST 112 | Caterpillar Hydraulic Fundamentals § | 4 |
| DST 113 | Caterpillar Engine Fuel Systems | 4 |
| DST 114 | Fundamentals of Electrical Systems § | 4 |
| Fourth Term | ||
| First Module | ||
| DST 150 | Caterpillar Service Technology Internship (Part II) | 6 |
| Second Module | ||
| DST 115 | Air Conditioning | 3 |
| DST 116 | Fundamentals of Transmissions and Torque Converters | 4 |
| DST 203 | Caterpillar Machine Diagnostic | 3 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Fifth Term | ||
| DST 150 | Caterpillar Service Technology Internship (Part III) | 6 |
| Sixth Term | ||
| DST 200 | Undercarriage and Final Drive | 4 |
| DST 201 | Machine Electronic Systems | 4 |
| General Education: 2 courses | ||
| Seventh Term | ||
| DST 150 | Caterpillar Service Technology Internship (Part IV) | 6 |
| Eighth Term | ||
| DST 117 | Caterpillar Machine Hydraulic Systems | 4 |
| DST 202 | Caterpillar Engine Performance | 3 |
| DST 204 | Machine Specific Systems | 6 |
| WR 121 | Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z | 4 |
| Total Credits | 97 | |
- §
Course cannot be substituted with another course.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. WR 121 and WR 121Z are equivalent.
DST 110. Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals. 8 Credits.
Introduces Caterpillar basic diesel engine theory and service procedures. Covers principles of compression ignited internal combustion engines and design variations. Utilizes Caterpillar engines to disassemble and assemble in the lab. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership.
DST 111. Introduction to Caterpillar Service Industry. 3 Credits.
Introduces the Caterpillar organization and provides instruction and lab experience in shop safety, shop operation, service tools, and how to obtain Caterpillar Service Information (SIS). Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership.
DST 112. Caterpillar Hydraulic Fundamentals. 4 Credits.
Covers basic hydraulic fundamentals used in Caterpillar products. Includes identifying the function of the various valves used in Caterpillar hydraulic systems, the function of vane pumps, gear pumps and piston pumps, and the function of ISO hydraulic symbols. Covers the process of disassembling and assembling hydraulic components, and tracing the oil flow and operation of various hydraulic systems used in Caterpillar products. Prerequisite: Provide a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership.
DST 113. Caterpillar Engine Fuel Systems. 4 Credits.
Introduces fuel systems used on Caterpillar engines. Covers fuel selection, calibrations, nozzle testing procedures, governor operation, and hydraulic fuel ratio controls. Includes the Caterpillar 1.1 and 1.2 Mechanical Unit Injection (MUI), hydraulic electronic unit injection (HEUI) fuel systems, the Electronic Unit Injection (EUI), Nippondenso, and Zexel fuel systems. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 110 and DST 111.
DST 114. Fundamentals of Electrical Systems. 4 Credits.
Introduces basic electrical and electronic fundamentals needed to properly diagnose and repair the complex electronics installed on Caterpillar machines. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 110 and DST 111.
DST 115. Air Conditioning. 3 Credits.
Introduces the principles of air conditioning. Includes air conditioning components, component functions, and servicing Caterpillar air conditioning systems. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 114.
DST 116. Fundamentals of Transmissions and Torque Converters. 4 Credits.
Covers components and operation of powertrain systems used in Caterpillar machines. Includes clutches, torque converters, manual shift transmissions, and component functions as they relate to the operation of power train systems. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 112 and DST 114.
DST 117. Caterpillar Machine Hydraulic Systems. 4 Credits.
Introduces system operations, testing, and adjusting procedures for Caterpillar hydraulic systems. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 112 and DST 114.
DST 150. Caterpillar Service Technology Internship. 6 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to work in a Caterpillar Dealership performing diagnostic and repair work under the supervision of a journeyman technician. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership.
DST 200. Undercarriage and Final Drive. 4 Credits.
Introduces methods of transferring power through mechanical powertrains. Covers differentials, brakes, final drives, and under carriages. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 116.
DST 201. Machine Electronic Systems. 4 Credits.
Introduces Caterpillar machine electronic systems and diagnostic tooling used by a technician to properly diagnose and repair the complex electrical/electronic systems installed in Caterpillar machines. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 117.
DST 202. Caterpillar Engine Performance. 3 Credits.
Covers an in-depth study of engine diagnostics and repair techniques. Includes the use of Caterpillar diagnostic tools and service literature. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 113.
DST 203. Caterpillar Machine Diagnostic. 3 Credits.
Introduces diagnostic tooling and reference material for properly diagnosing and repairing the complex systems installed on Caterpillar machines. Focuses on repair logic and applications using a troubleshooting and diagnostic process to solve machine faults. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 117.
DST 204. Machine Specific Systems. 6 Credits.
Introduces specific Caterpillar machines and the similarities and differences between them. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisite: DST 201.
DST 210. Generators and EPG Calculations. 3 Credits.
Introduces Caterpillar's complete power generation system. Covers the identification of major generator components and their purpose within a system. Involves establishing connections to different loads, testing, and interpreting test results. Prerequisites: DST 114.
DST 211. Control Panels and Data Links. 3 Credits.
Introduces control panels and their functions. Covers how to identify, repair, replace, and adjust various control panels. Includes utilizing diagnostic equipment for programming control software. Prerequisites: DST 210.
DST 212. Voltage Regulation. 3 Credits.
Introduces the fundamentals of voltage regulation. Covers the function and operation of various Caterpillar automatic voltage regulators. Includes how to safely and accurately install and adjust regulators for proper operation. Prerequisites: DST 211.
DST 213. Automatic Transfer Switches. 3 Credits.
Introduces automatic transfer switches (ATS). Includes identifying, maintaining, repairing, and programing various transfer switches that are employed by Caterpillar. Includes identifying, navigating, and programming various automatic transfer switch (ATS) controls utilized by Caterpillar. Prerequisites: DST 212.
DST 270. Caterpillar Electric Power Generation Internship. 6 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to work in a Caterpillar Dealership performing diagnostic and repair work on electric power generation equipment under the supervision of a journeyman technician. Requires a dealer letter indicating secured internship at a participating Caterpillar Dealership. Prerequisites: Department permission required.