WITT
At the Wisconsin Institute of Transportation Technology, our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and passion essential for excelling in the heavy truck repair industry. We are committed to cultivating a community of highly-trained technicians who not only achieve expertise in their field but also champion the industry's growth and excellence.
Our commitment encompasses these key pillars:
Excellence in Education:
We deliver comprehensive, hands-on training that equips our students with the technical proficiency needed to diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy trucks and diesel engines. Our industry-expert instructors and facilities ensure a world-class education.
Career Development:
We are devoted to assisting our graduates in building successful, rewarding careers in heavy truck repair. Our comprehensive curriculum imparts technical skills, emphasizes soft skills, professionalism, and instills a commitment to lifelong learning. We facilitate job placement and mentorship opportunities, ensuring our alumni are well-prepared for prosperous careers in the industry.
Certifications / Credentials:
- AC 609 Certification
- Safety and Pollution (S/P2) Certification
- ASE Medium/ Heavy Truck Entry Level Certifications
- Placement into OEM training pathway (Freightliner, Western Star, Ford, Mack, Isuzu)
- Premier supplier partner training (brakes, bearings, starters, alternators, lighting, driveline, hubs and wheel ends)
Career Path:
Entry Level Technician >
OEM Certified Technician >
OEM Master Certified Technician
Course Catalogue
Introduction to the Heavy Truck Industry
This course is designed to provide students with a strong foundational understanding of the heavy truck repair sector. This course will cover essential topics such as safety, vocabulary, parts identification, and common tools to help you excel in the field.
80 hours – 14 hours classroom, 66 hours hands-on
Electricity Theory and Lab 1
Electricity Theory and Lab 1 for Heavy Truck Industry is a foundational course designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for understanding and working with electrical systems in heavy trucks. This course combines theoretical concepts with practical laboratory exercises.
56 hours – 10 hours classroom, 46 hours hands-on
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance for Heavy Duty Trucks is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively maintain and inspect heavy-duty trucks. This course covers essential topics such as fluid theory, the use of maintenance tables, and detailed procedures for inspecting and maintaining critical truck components. By the end of the course, students will be capable of performing thorough inspections, routine maintenance, fluid changes to ensure the safe and efficient operation of heavy-duty trucks.
40 hours – 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Technician’s Guide to Repair Order Procedures
Technician's Guide to Repair Order Procedures course is tailored to empower technicians with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the intricacies of repair order management within the heavy truck repair industry. Topics covered include proficient CDK software utilization, stringent DTNA (Daimler Trucks North America) warranty requirements, in-depth repair order story documentation, company-specific best practices and procedures.
5 hours - classroom
Heavy Duty Brake Systems
This course provides comprehensive training on the essential components of the air and hydraulic brake systems commonly found in heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. This course emphasizes theory, inspection, and servicing techniques, covering topics such as air systems, hydraulic systems disc brakes, drum brakes, wheel bearings, seals, and an overview of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). By the end of this course, students will possess the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of heavy-duty brake systems.
64 hours – 11 hours classroom, 53 hours hands-on
Heavy Duty Drivelines and Transmissions
Heavy Truck Drivelines and Transmission Systems is a comprehensive course designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to the drivetrain components and transmission systems in heavy-duty trucks. This course covers a range of topics, including driveshafts, universal joints (U-joints), drive axles, differentials, clutches, and various transmission types, including manual, automated manuals, and automatic transmission.
80 hours – 14 hours classroom, 66 hours hands-on
Heavy Duty Steering and Suspensions
Heavy Duty Steering and Suspension Systems is a comprehensive training program designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to understand, inspect, diagnose, and maintain heavy-duty truck steering and suspension systems. This course covers a range of topics, including wheels and tires, steering components, steering gear operation, suspension components, various suspension styles, and alignment theory.
80 hours - 14 hours classroom, 66 hours hands-on
Electricity Theory and Lab 2
Electricity Theory and Lab 2 is a comprehensive course designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the introductory course. This course delves deeper into the intricacies of electrical systems, covering topics such as schematic and diagram reading, electric motors, current flow in circuits, power accessory systems, and the introduction to vehicle networks, including Controller Area Network (CAN).
40 hours – 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Heavy Truck HVAC
Heavy Truck HVAC Systems is a comprehensive course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand, diagnose, and maintain the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in heavy-duty trucks. The course covers a range of topics, including various refrigerants, operating principles, the refrigeration cycle, air distribution, temperature control, and performance testing. Students will test to receive the EPA 609 refrigerant handling certification.
40 hours – 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Electricity Theory and Lab 3
Electricity Theory and Lab 3 is an advanced course tailored for individuals in the heavy truck field, focusing on the intricate electrical systems and diagnostic techniques prevalent in modern vehicles. This course covers a range of topics, including the use of advanced scan tools, understanding and utilizing vehicle networks, sensor operations specific to diesel engines, electronic components, and an introduction to high-voltage systems relevant to electric powertrains.
40 hours – 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Introduction to Diesel Engines
Introduction to Diesel Engines offers a comprehensive exploration into the world of diesel engines, covering historical developments, fundamental characteristics, the 4-stroke cycle, and the essential components of these powerful and efficient machines. From the principles of compression ignition to the mechanical intricacies of cylinders and blocks, this course provides students with a foundational understanding of diesel engines, laying the groundwork for further studies and hands-on experience in the field.
40 hours - 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Introduction to Diesel Engine Fuel and Air Management
Introduction to Diesel Engine Fuel and Air Management is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of critical components related to the fuel and air management systems in diesel engines. This comprehensive course covers key topics such as diesel fuel injection systems, air supply, turbochargers, and exhaust systems. An overview of electronic engine controls, emissions and aftertreatment devices are also covered.
40 hours – 7 hours classroom, 33 hours hands-on
Meet the WITT Instructor
Andy Olson is a 27-year professional in the transportation industry with 10 years of post-secondary technical experience cultivating tomorrow's talented technicians. He is an ASE certified technician and has taught many subjects specializing in electrical, engine rebuilding and the diagnostics process. Andy is versed in coaching students and develops student-centered curriculum focused on engaging students in hands-on activities and teaching to real world examples. He builds programs and pathways to encompass the entire career journey from career exploration, internships, and apprenticeships culminating into professional technicians.
Andy Olson
Technical Institute Director
534-444-4712
AndyOlson@RiverStates.com
Jay Balboa
Director of Employee Experience
608-791-4481
JayBalboa@RiverStates.com
