The demand for skilled individuals in the marketplace, especially in the construction industry, is sky-rocketing and the cost of a college education in this country is soaring right along with it. Many manufacturers and distributors in the construction equipment business have recognized the problem and are taking a proactive position, one which has spawned dealer-sponsored educational programs that are attempting to address both of these issues.
One such program is Komatsu Advanced Career Training (ACT), a two-year, associate degree in applied science program offered at Oklahoma State University (OSU)-Okmulgee. The program is the result of a collaboration between Komatsu America International, Komatsu Dealerships and OSU-Okmulgee and was started to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, Komatsu-trained technicians.
Available to high school and vocational-technical graduates, as well as existing Komatsu employees, the program asks dealers to pre-select candidates from their area. In some circumstances, high school seniors and non-high school graduates can gain provisional admission. According to Steve Doede, division chairman of the Automotive/Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute division at OSU-Okmulgee, while the focus is primarily on younger students, there is no age limit for dealer-sponsored students.
Each semester of this heavy equipment-training program is divided into two segments that feature seven-and-a-half weeks of classroom training followed by a seven-and-a-half week internship at the sponsoring Komatsu distributor. Classes begin each fall with alternating start dates – while one group of students is working towards the completion of an internship, another is attending classes and laboratories. In this way, the program allows for five internship experiences over two years.
The laboratories and internships offer hands-on application and practice of classroom theory. With both the internships and classroom learning, students are taught by experienced Komatsu technicians who attend update training regularly.
The program’s curriculum was developed by Komatsu America’s training division and OSU-Okmulgee. Prospective technicians learn to maintain, service, diagnose and repair a host of systems– including engines, hydraulics and electronics– on a variety of machines and equipment used in all forms of construction, mining, material handling and other industrial activities. They test and adjust components and systems using sophisticated diagnostic equipment and personal computers.
In addition to the specific Komatsu curriculum, students are required to take 24 credit hours in general education, such as classes in technical writing, psychology, math, speech and ethics. “The combination of these classes is what makes the students valuable employees of Komatsu Dealerships,” said Doede. “After six semesters of on-campus classes and paid internships, graduates typically stay with the Komatsu distributor as a full-time employee.” Since its start, the program has had two graduating classes.
Dave Baker of Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, has been part of the program since its inception and was part of its implementation after being involved with the vocational system in Kentucky. “It’s an excellent program. It gives young people the opportunity to get an education with little expense and a guaranteed job,” said Baker. Kirby-Smith has 15 employees who have graduated or are currently attending the program.
Under the OSU Program, students can benefit from most state and federal financial aid available for typical educational programs such as grants, work-study programs, loans and scholarships. On top of training, students can look forward to low faculty-to-student ratios, a paycheck during their internship and a nearly 100 percent job placement rate.
The program requires students to meet institutional requirements and obtain an approved dealer sponsor.
For more information, call 918/293-4724 or visit OSU’s web site at www.osu-okmulgee.edu.
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