What are the requirements to get into the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck program?
Students must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED. If you are enrolling in the Associate Degree or Diploma Options, there is an admissions test to determine if students meet the college requirements for reading, writing and math. There is no testing requirement for the Certificate Option.
All Associate Degree students must also be sponsored by a dealership or repair shop for the co-op portion of the program. Sponsoring dealers provide the co-op work experience required by the program, and in some cases may assist with the cost tuition, books, or tools. Program faculty members can assist you in obtaining sponsorship for co-op.
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How long is the program?
The Associate Degree program takes two years, which includes 34 weeks (or ½ of every semester after the first Fall term) of co-op internship at the dealership. During this time the student works full time, and receives both college credit and pay while they are gaining “real world” experience. The Certificate and Diploma programs take one year, and have no co-op component.
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What kind of courses will I take?
The following courses are offered as indicated. All the following courses are taken in the Associate Degree program. Those offered in the Diploma and Certificate program are indicated with an (*).
Associate Degree Diploma Certificate
Diesel Engines * *
Diesel Electrical Systems * *
Medium/Heavy Duty Tune-up *
Brake Systems * *
Heating and Air conditioning *
Electronic Engines
Steering and Suspension * *
Power Trains
Mechanical Fuel Injection
Preventive Maintenance * *
Co-op Work Experience
Medium/Heavy Duty Hydraulics
Mechanical Transmission *
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How much does it cost?
The total cost of the program - - tuition, tools, books, and fees - - is approximately $3500-$4000. Or, about $600 per semester, plus tools. In some cases, sponsoring dealers are willing to help students with the cost of tools. Financial aid is also available if the student qualifies. Keep in mind also that the 8-week co-op periods are more than an opportunity to experience work in the dealership - - it is paid employment as well.
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Explain the co-op training - - what is it and how does it work?
Co-op is paid, on-the-job work experience in a dealership, terminal, or repair shop. It is an integral part of the program, and during these eight-week periods you are also earning college credits for your work. During this time you will not attend classes - - your co-op work is a full-time job. This is also an opportunity for you and the dealership to "try each other on." There is no guarantee that there will be a job waiting for you after graduation, and you are not committed to work for that dealership after graduation (unless you enter an agreement to work in exchange for assistance with tools or tuition assistance). Typically however, students find sponsorship with a dealer near home, and the relationship works out so that the dealer finds a new technician and the graduate finds a solid career opportunity.
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What is a typical day like in the Medium/Heavy Duty program?
Classes start at 8:00 and typically run 4-5 hours a day. Students are only engaged in one subject at a time, and they concentrate on that subject until it’s complete, before moving on to the next one. For example, Diesel Engines is a 192-hour course (48 hours in the classroom and 144 hours in the lab) - - students would attend this class for 38 days, for 5 hours per day until completed. Then begin the next class on the schedule. This pattern is followed until all courses are completed. Most courses also follow a similar ratio of classroom to lab time.
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When would I take the additional courses needed for the Associate Degree?
Typically, students take one, or at most two, courses per semester in the afternoon to meet their Associate Degree requirements. There is also the possibility of taking a course during the co-op period. If a student is unable to complete all the requirements within the normal two-year period, the additional general education courses may be taken after the core Medium/Heavy Duty Truck courses are completed.
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If I want to enroll in the Associate Degree program, how do I find a "sponsoring dealership"?
Typically finding a sponsoring dealership is just like finding a job. You apply, interview, and if the dealer thinks you are a good candidate, you have a sponsor. The co-op periods are a good opportunity for you and the dealer to test this relationship under actual working conditions. If you prove to be a good, reliable technician, and find that shop a good place to work, then you might have found “your career”. Neither you nor the dealership is obligated to continue the relationship after graduation, unless you have entered into an agreement in exchange for financial assistance for tools, etc. The instructors in the program will help you find a co-op employer if needed.
What are the job opportunities like for graduates of this program?
Excellent. You will find that it is easy to find dealers to sponsor students in this program, because most dealers have a need for well-trained graduates who understand the complex and sophisticated equipment on the road today. Many dealerships are faced with technicians nearing retirement, and "home-grown" technicians that lack the training and certification in diagnosing and repairing modern over-the-road systems. The training and education you will receive in the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck program at GTCC will prepare you for an outstanding career opportunity in the transportation industry.
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When do I need to apply and how do I go about it?
Apply for admission at any time during your senior year in high school, or during the Spring of the year in which you want to start. But don’t wait until the last minute - - this is a limited enrollment program, with the capacity for a maximum of 22-24 students per year. The process for getting into the program is fairly simple, and most of it can be done without having to travel back and forth to the college.
You can get an Application for Admission here. (Please note that this form is in a format that requires your computer to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. If you need to download this free program, click here.) Or, you can contact Charlie Roach in the GTCC Admissions Office at 336-334-4822, ext 2285 (you may have to leave him a message, so let him know that you are interested in the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck program and leave your name, phone number, and a good time to call you back.) Charlie is very good about returning messages. He will explain the testing and registration procedures you need to follow to become a GTCC student.
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How can I learn more about the college or program?
You can check out the college on the web by visiting www.gtcc.edu. From this home page, you can click on the link to "Academics" and then "Transportation Systems Technology" or click here to visit our home page. To learn all about the admissions process, click on "catalog" and then follow the link to admissions, or you may visit the college's new Student Orientation site, which provides a step-by-step overview of necessary information for new and returning students. You are also welcome to visit the campus and meet the program instructors. You can arrange this by calling Jerry Cummings (Medium/Heavy Duty Truck instructor) at 336-334-4822, ext 2592. Jerry will gladly arrange a visit for you and your family if you wish.
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