Kansas City Associated Equipment Distributors Scholarship Program

In our continuing effort to increase interest in the areas of Heavy Equipment and Diesel Engine Repair as a career, the Kansas City Associated Equipment Distributors (KCAED) has developed a scholarship for students with interest in pursuing post-secondary education in either of these fields. Included in this packet is a scholarship application, as well as, general information about the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).

Service Technician Position Description

Position Summary

Construction equipment service technicians maintain and repair the heavy equipment used in all forms of construction, agriculture, mining, logging, materials handling, and related industries. This equipment can range from gasoline-powered light construction vehicles to giant, diesel-powered earthmovers, mining trucks, cranes and pavers. These machines can carry price tags in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

Construction equipment today is very high-tech and sophisticated. Working on this equipment requires a sound knowledge of math, science, computer and language skills; as well as advanced knowledge in engines and fuel systems, electrical and electronics, hydraulics and hydrostatics, powertrains, air conditioning, and climate control, and safety practices. Efficient and accurate work, done right the first time, is essential. Construction equipment dealers must meet customers’ needs for proper repair and minimal downtime. Machine downtime and any associated project delays can cost an equipment owner many thousands of dollars.

The service technician is a front-line employee with direct customer contact; and is a valued, essential element of dealer success. In addition to technical skills, people skills are vital for effective customer relationship management and decision-making. Training for this job doesn’t stop with the conclusion of formal education. Employers invest in continuous learning for their technicians, who require the latest knowledge in new product technology, management, and other job-related skills.

The position offers a career path that provides interesting high-tech work responsibilities, high employer demand for qualified technicians, job and income stability, and advancement potential. Many technicians have the opportunity to advance into sales positions, product support, parts management, service management, branch management, and corporate management.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that all service to a customer or company-owned equipment is completed efficiently, on time, and correctly according to specifications. Repairs are commonly completed either at the dealer’s service facility or in the field at a customer site.
• Responsible for diagnosing problems, estimating repair costs, ordering parts, minimizing re-work, proper use and care of tools and equipment, on-the-job safety practices, and proper job documentation including technical report writing.
• Completes repairs within performance standards guidelines as set by the dealer: repair time, quality of repairs/amount of rework, the quantity of repairs/labor efficiency and other measures.
• Contributes to building excellent company/customer relationships.
• Stays up-to-date with current heavy equipment technology.

Educational and Other Requirements

• Strong interest in equipment technology as well as mechanical ability.
• Strong high school academic record in science, advanced mathematics, computers and English.
• High school diploma and/or technical school program in: diesel engines and fuel systems, hydraulics and hydrostatics, powertrains, electrical and electronics, air conditioning, and climate control systems, and proper safety and environmental practices.
• Highly recommended is a two-year or four-year degree in heavy equipment technology from a well-qualified technical school, such as a college that has achieved AED accreditation.
• The ability and desire to approach technical education as a life-long process to stay current in the field and maintain a high level of job performance.
• The people skills to work effectively with company personnel and customers, and promote excellent customer relationships at all times

If you have questions or would like any of this information in an electronic format, please feel free to contact Jennifer Orr at jorr@westerneda.com or by phone at 800-762-5616.

Please note the student needs to return the scholarship application to us by April 28, 2023.