Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology (HEATT) programs are designed to provide the knowledge and skills to operate, troubleshoot and repair construction equipment, agricultural equipment and trucks. Graduates should qualify for entry-level employment in businesses that operate and repair such equipment in the construction industry. Entry and advancement levels depend on the training completed, knowledge and ability levels, work performance and ethics.

The programs also help students develop "soft skills" vital to employability and personal and professional success: 

• Interpersonal skills and teamwork
• Communication
• Integrity and professionalism
• Problem-solving
• Initiative and dependability
• Information processing
• Adaptability and lifelong learning

The Automotive and Heavy Equipment Complex at Wake Tech contains more than 40,000 square feet of classrooms and laboratory space. HEATT has three classrooms, one computer lab and an air-conditioned drive-through laboratory.

Each classroom has state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, and the computer lab has 20 computers with specialized industry software. Computers are available for HEATT students to use for all college work, and the lab is accessible whenever a HEATT instructor is on campus.

These limited-enrollment programs have unique admission requirements, policies, procedures, schedules and deadlines that are subject to change:

• Heavy Equipment & Transport Technologies
• Agricultural Systems Technology
• Construction Equipment Systems Technology
• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Interested applicants should complete the entire application process, including placement testing and review with an academic advisor. The advisor will go over essential information and give you a Limited-Enrollment Student Checklist, which outlines and directs you to the next steps for limited-enrollment programs. When meeting with your program advisors, be sure to bring the checklist with you.

Students are not required to have knowledge of heavy equipment repair, but basic knowledge of computers, electricity, electronics and mechanical repairs is beneficial.

Students can enter programs in the Fall or Spring semester by following these steps:

1. Complete the Wake Tech admission application online and follow all instructions, including requesting your high school and (if applicable) college transcripts and indicating the code or codes for your major on the application.
2. Schedule to take English and math placement tests (see if you are exempt).
3. Meet with an advisor to review your placement test scores.
4. Meet with the HEATT Department head to verify program codes and selected pathway.
5. Find out your start date. If the program you choose is full, the department head can recommend general education courses that can be taken until an opening occurs.

Students may qualify for scholarship programs provided by dealers: 

• John Deere (available to John Deere-sponsored students)
• Gregory Poole Equipment Co./Caterpillar Inc.
• Waste Industries USA Inc.
• Martin Marietta Materials

For more information, email Paige Kearns at [email protected].