Ground Support Equipment

College Application Steps

Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Additional Program Specific Steps

English and Math placement is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success. Advisors are available to support you.

Program Tours

Schedule a tour for this program by emailing southproftech@seattlecolleges.edu.

Info Sessions

Watch a Diesel and Heavy Equipment Info Session.

Watch on YouTube to view transcript.

College Tuition

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Extra Cost

• Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter.
• Required materials: hard-toed boots, coveralls, and tools (minimum $300).
• Tool kit: $200 to $3,000 depending on quality chosen

Please contact 206.934.5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for information on equipment fees in this program.

Financial Aid

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To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

• In-person

Introductory Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology (HDM) courses are offered in fall or spring quarters.

The Ground Support Equipment pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment working with airport ground support equipment.

Credits earned in certificate programs are generally applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.

Math and English placement are required. Use South’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.

Eligibility for MATH 110 or higher placement

Eligibility for ENGL 107 or higher placement

48 Units

Core Requirements

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

• Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
• Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
• If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
• Research and apply for grants and scholarships.

Quarter 1, 12 Units

To-do List

Quarter 2, 12 Units

To-do List

Quarter 3, 12 Units

To-do List

Please clarify what a ground support equipment mechanic does vs. a heavy-duty diesel mechanic.
A ground support mechanic and a diesel mechanic are very similar. The only difference is where they may be applying these mechanical skills and the scale. A GSE mechanic is working on repairs and maintaining airport ramp vehicles and machinery like baggage tugs, pushback tractors, and fuel trucks. This machinery is diesel-powered, but they may also encounter more electrical and gas work. Many engines they may be working on are smaller/medium sized. Also, GSE workers are mainly working in airport environments.

However, a Diesel mechanic mostly repairs heavy-duty trucks, buses, or commercial equipment powered specifically by diesel engines. This work is at a much more complex and larger scale. Diesel mechanics tend to work in commercial shops or places like King County Metro. It's important to note that both pathways are interchangeable and can translate to either career, but it would be up to the student to decide what interests them. GSE certificates are built into the overall diesel curriculum, so the programs are not too different besides length of completion and career goals. 

Curriculum-wise, how are the programs different and why should someone choose one over the other? 
The GSE certificate is built into the overall HDM associate's degree. GSE students take the first 3 quarters of the HDM program, which gives them the foundational skills to pursue airport work. However, if a student was interested in delving deeper for a more comprehensive skill set, I'd always recommend they go for the whole 6 quarters. This ensures that they take the more advanced engine and electrical courses and may translate better on a resume. Not to say that the cert is not a good option; it just depends on the student's goals and maybe how long they'd like to be in school.

How are the employment options different for someone taking the GSE vs. Diesel certificate program?
GSE mechanics are more eligible for airport jobs and airline maintenance sheds. These are great entry-level opportunities and are in high demand. On the other hand, the deeper expertise of diesel students could land them higher-paying opportunities sooner after graduating because they have completed much more extensive training.

Program data from ctcLink:

• Academic Plan: AMOGSC45
• Degree: CERT
• Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Ground Support Equipment
• Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
• Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 49.0104

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.

Welcome Center
Robert Smith Building (RSB) Lobby
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.

Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387