October 7, 2025
Ferris State’s Diesel Days event invites high school students and community members to experience careers in heavy equipment
High school students from across the region will be headed to Ferris State University this week to experience potential careers in the heavy equipment industry for the annual Diesel Days program.
The event, sponsored by Alta Equipment, is planned for Oct. 8 and 9 at the university’s Heavy Equipment Center, 220 Sports Drive.
About 300 high school students are expected to attend each day of the event, with interactive experiences and displays from industry representatives from a variety of fields.
Community members and Ferris State students and employees are invited to attend an open house on Oct. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. to learn about opportunities for careers in the fields and programs offered by the College of Engineering Technology.
“Diesel Days is an opportunity for high school students to learn about careers in heavy equipment by gaining hands-on experience and meeting people who have been successful in the field,” said Austin Williams, Heavy Equipment program coordinator. “It’s also a chance for students to gain a closer look at programs offered by Ferris State, which has been a national leader. Our graduates gain in-demand skills, then are sought after by employers.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 21,700 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Ferris State has been a national leader in training people for heavy equipment careers for decades.
Ferris State’s Heavy Equipment Technology Associate degree program started in 1959 and today is located in a modern, 53,000 square foot facility that is one of the largest and best equipped in the United States.
The program emphasizes heavy equipment service for the agricultural, construction, forestry, trucking, and auxiliary industries.
The department in 1991 created a one-of-a-kind Bachelor of Science degree, Heavy Equipment Service Engineering Technology.
HSET programming provides instruction to develop the knowledge and skills required to test, diagnose, service, and repair multiple interfacing and technically sophisticated electrical/electronic systems used on equipment in the agricultural, construction, forestry, stationary power and trucking industries.