Driving Innovation: OSU Polytech at OSUIT shapes the future of heavy equipment
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
In a rapidly evolving world of heavy equipment, precision and expertise are paramount.
Recognizing this responsibility, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is at the forefront of innovation through OSU Polytech. This forward-thinking strategy aligns academic learning at the Okmulgee campus with hands-on technical training, preparing a new generation of industry-ready professionals.
Key examples of this vision are OSUIT’s partnership with Komatsu, one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers. The development of the Komatsu Advanced Career Training associate in applied science degree and the Komatsu Fast Track Program provides multiple pathways for those entering or advancing in the field.
OSU Polytech is grounded in partnerships with industry leaders like Komatsu, combining academic rigor with applied learning to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce. Through programs such as the Komatsu ACT AAS degree and the Komatsu Fast Track Program, OSUIT has established itself as a leader in technical education, producing highly skilled, job-ready graduates who can seamlessly transition into the workforce.
“Polytech at OSUIT is about more than just learning; it’s about preparing for real-world
careers from day one,” said Sherri Johnson, dean of OSUIT’s School of Transportation
and Heavy Equipment. “The Komatsu programs demonstrate how we are collaborating with
industry to deliver a curriculum that adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce
while providing our students with meaningful, hands-on experience.”
The Komatsu ACT AAS Degree
For students new to the field, the Komatsu ACT AAS degree program provides a comprehensive two-year pathway that combines academic coursework with hands-on training in Komatsu technology.
Students in this program study essential topics like electrical systems, hydraulics and diagnostics while gaining practical skills through direct experience with Komatsu equipment. They further develop their expertise through internships with Komatsu dealers, acquiring the technical knowledge and work experience needed to succeed.
“As the chair of the OSUIT Komatsu ACT and Fast Track Advisory Board, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of the Komatsu ACT 2-Year Program on our hiring strategy for Kirby Smith Machinery’s service department,” said Bruce Taylor, director of training for Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. “This program has addressed a critical need by providing us with highly qualified technicians who enter their careers with a solid foundation and, importantly, without pre-existing habits that may require correction.
“It’s a tremendous stepping stone for young technicians embarking on their careers in the heavy equipment industry.”
The Komatsu Fast Track Program
The Komatsu Fast Track Program is an alternative pathway tailored for individuals who may already hold a degree or relevant experience but seek specialized Komatsu training to advance in their careers.
This condensed program is designed for recent technical school graduates, industry professionals, or those with military experience who need certification in Komatsu machinery.
Sponsored by Komatsu dealers, the program includes nine specialized classes covering essential components of Komatsu equipment, such as loaders, electrical systems and advanced diagnostics.
Structured in alternating two-week sessions, students split their time between OSUIT and practical work at their sponsoring dealers, allowing them to earn credentials and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Komatsu dealers cover tuition, wages and travel expenses, ensuring students receive targeted training at minimal personal cost.
“While the OSUIT Komatsu ACT 2-Year Program has significantly improved our pipeline of new talent, we faced a unique challenge when onboarding seasoned technicians. Integrating experienced hires into the Komatsu product line required a lengthy acclimation period, which impacted efficiency,” Taylor said. “In response, a few members of the OSUIT Advisory Board developed the Fast Track program. This initiative, impressive on paper, proved even more effective in practice.
“The Fast Track program accelerates the familiarization process for experienced technicians, reducing the time needed to represent and work confidently with Komatsu products to less than half of what it would have been with traditional onboarding. Together, these programs create a robust hiring solution, preparing both new entrants to the industry and seasoned technicians with the knowledge they need to excel.”
Empowering a New Generation of Leaders
OSUIT’s School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment is recognized for its strong industry connections. Still, it is poised for even greater success with the recent appointment of its first female dean.
Johnson’s leadership reflects a commitment to forward-thinking strategies and a fresh perspective on the future of heavy equipment education, driving innovation and adapting to shifts within the industry.
Her bold vision includes fostering partnerships with high schools and outreach programs to introduce young women to transportation and heavy equipment careers early on, creating a pipeline of future professionals equipped for success and empowered with growth opportunities.
She is also expanding scholarship opportunities targeted toward those entering technical programs at OSUIT, ensuring access to education and a clear path to advancement for all students interested in the field.
The Future of Polytech at OSUIT
Looking ahead, the future of the School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment promises even greater integration of technology, industry collaboration and innovation.
The curriculum is set to evolve alongside advancements in electric vehicles, alternative energy solutions and advanced diagnostics while maintaining a strong focus on core industry skills.
As part of her vision, Johnson is determined to position OSUIT as a national leader in technical education for transportation and heavy equipment. This includes using the latest research and development in collaboration with industry partners and expanding the use of simulation and augmented reality technologies in training programs.
“We are on the cusp of a major transformation,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to ensure that OSUIT continues to be where industry and education converge, where students receive the best training available and where they graduate not just with a degree, but with a clear pathway to a successful and sustainable career.”
Photos by: Ellie Piper
Story by: Lindsay Lynch| STATE Magazine