Caterpillar Technology Skills Guide

High School Courses

*General Math
General Business
Auto Mechanics
*Algebra I
Industrial Arts
Electricity
Speech

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Textbooks are used primarily as supplements to lectures and instructors' handouts. The approximate readability level of these texts is eleventh to twelfth grade. Much of the reading in this program includes visual illustrations, such as electrical and hydraulic schematics and exploded diagrams showing equipment parts.

In addition to their texts, students use shop manuals and trade magazines. They are also encouraged to read newspaper articles regarding equipment safety. On their own, they study a test preparation text for the ASE/ACT, which is the certifying test to become a master truck technician.

On the job, diesel technicians can expect to read shop manuals, trade journals and technical updates. This information may be in book form, on the Web, or on a CD.

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Language

The required English course for the program is Communication Skills (ENG 703). Most speaking activities related to this career involve one-on-one communications. In the program students must describe equipment and explain work done in the lab. On the job, workers will also be required to discuss with a customer their diagnosis of an equipment problem, the repair made and the cost of the work.

Writing activities include activity reports, which emphasize legibility, thoroughness and accuracy of content. Students are also taught how to write resumes. In the workplace technicians must write concise, accurate reports on their equipment repairs.

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Math

The required math course for this program is Applied Math (MAT 772). In their program coursework, students use ratios to figure gear ratios. They also perform calibrations with dial and digital micrometers and calipers, which use both metric and English units. On the job technicians will also total bills and apply algebraic formulas (e.g., figuring angles of drive lines, computing displacement).

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Learning

Disassembly and reassembly of equipment requires careful attention to proper sequence of steps. Cause-effect reasoning and problem-solving strategies are essential for diagnosing an equipment malfunction, testing the hypothesis and correcting the problem.

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Computer

The program's curriculum includes computer-assisted instruction and testing, using materials provided by manufacturers such as Caterpillar. Some manufacturers also provide computer diagnostics material and electronic manuals, which will be used both in the program and on the job.

View more information on computer skills in the Caterpillar Technology program.