Waukesha Pearce Industries (WPI) Komatsu Heavy Equipment Diesel Technician SkillBridge Internship Program

Key features include:

• Dedicated mentor for weekly check-ins, guidance, and real-time feedback
• Progressive structure: Weeks 1–3 (Foundations & Safety), Weeks 4–7 (Core Systems), Weeks 8–11 (Advanced Repair & Diagnostics), Week 12 (Evaluation & Transition)
• Komatsu-specific training (manuals, KOMTRAX diagnostics, system fundamentals)
• Regular assessments, midpoint review, and final practical evaluation
• OSHA-compliant safety certifications (rigging, forklift operation if needed)Week-by-Week Training BreakdownWeek 1 – Onboarding & Safety Foundations (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Complete admin setup, master safety protocols, and orient to WPI/Komatsu operations.
• HR/IT onboarding & setup (8 hrs)
• Comprehensive safety training (PPE, rigging, lockout/tagout, forklift operation, hazard ID) (16 hrs)
• System onboarding (Komatsu manuals, diagnostic software, KOMTRAX basics) (8 hrs)
• Facility/machine familiarization & shop tour (8 hrs) Milestone: Safety certification quiz & facility checklist completion.Week 2 – Tools, Professionalism & Preventive Maintenance Basics (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Use specialized tools safely, understand professionalism, and perform basic PM services.
• Specialized tools & equipment training (torque tools, diagnostic scanners, etc.) (8 hrs)
• Equipment/component cleaning procedures & best practices (8 hrs)
• Customer relations, workplace professionalism & communication (8 hrs)
• Exposure to parts department operations & parts ordering (8 hrs)
• Preventive maintenance (PM) fundamentals & initial PM clinic (8 hrs) Milestone: Complete basic PM service on a Komatsu machine under supervision.Week 3 – Advanced PM & Machine Familiarization (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Execute full PM services and deepen Komatsu machine knowledge.
• In-depth machine familiarization (Komatsu equipment families, components, applications) (12 hrs)
• Full preventive maintenance procedures & inspections (16 hrs)
• Basic troubleshooting & documentation (8 hrs)
• Mentor shadowing on live PM jobs (4 hrs) Milestone: Perform independent PM checklist with mentor review.Week 4 – Hydraulic Systems Fundamentals (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Understand and service hydraulic systems on Komatsu equipment.
• Hydraulic fundamentals & principles (fluid dynamics, components) (8 hrs)
• Specialized hydraulic tools & testing equipment (8 hrs)
• PM clinic focused on hydraulics (8 hrs)
• Attachment flow testing & calibration (8 hrs)
• Installation/adjustment of quick couplers & hydraulic attachments (8 hrs) Milestone: Test and adjust hydraulic flow on a machine.Week 5 – Hydraulic Troubleshooting & Repair (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Diagnose and repair common hydraulic issues.
• Hydraulic schematic reading & Komatsu manual navigation (8 hrs)
• Leak detection, pressure testing & component replacement (16 hrs)
• Hands-on repair exercises & troubleshooting scenarios (12 hrs)
• Mentor-led field/shadowing on hydraulic jobs (4 hrs) Milestone: Pass hydraulic diagnostic assessment (80%+ accuracy).Week 6 – Electrical & Electronic Systems (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Master electrical diagnostics and repairs.
• Electrical fundamentals & Komatsu wiring diagrams (8 hrs)
• Battery, charging, starting systems & troubleshooting (12 hrs)
• Sensors, controllers & basic electronics (KOMTRAX integration) (12 hrs)
• Hands-on electrical testing & repair (8 hrs) Milestone: Diagnose and repair sample electrical fault.Week 7 – Advanced Electrical & Diagnostics (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Use diagnostic tools for complex electrical issues.
• Komatsu diagnostic software & fault code interpretation (12 hrs)
• CAN bus systems & electronic controls (12 hrs)
• Integration with hydraulics/engines (8 hrs)
• Supervised troubleshooting on live machines (8 hrs) Milestone: Complete electrical systems assessment.Week 8 – Diesel Engine Systems (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Understand and service Komatsu diesel engines.
• Engine fundamentals (four-cycle theory, components) (8 hrs)
• Fuel systems, injection & emissions controls (12 hrs)
• Cooling, lubrication & turbocharger service (12 hrs)
• Basic engine disassembly/reassembly exercises (8 hrs) Milestone: Perform engine PM and basic diagnostics.Week 9 – Engine Troubleshooting & Powertrain Basics (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Diagnose engine faults and introduce powertrain.
• Advanced engine diagnostics & Komatsu procedures (12 hrs)
• Powertrain overview (transmissions, drivelines, final drives) (12 hrs)
• Undercarriage inspection & basic maintenance (8 hrs)
• Mentor shadowing on engine/powertrain jobs (8 hrs) Milestone: Midpoint performance review & improvement plan.Week 10 – Powertrain & Undercarriage Repair (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Service powertrain and undercarriage components.
• Transmission & torque converter service (12 hrs)
• Undercarriage components (tracks, rollers, idlers) inspection/repair (12 hrs)
• Brakes, steering & final drive maintenance (8 hrs)
• Supervised independent repairs (8 hrs) Milestone: 90%+ accuracy on supervised powertrain tasks.Week 11 – Full-System Integration & Field Application (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Integrate systems knowledge and apply in real scenarios.
• Comprehensive diagnostics & multi-system troubleshooting (12 hrs)
• Field service coordination & emergency repairs (12 hrs)
• Interdepartmental exposure (parts, service writers) (8 hrs)
• Independent task execution & quality checks (8 hrs) Milestone: Mock field service call & career development session (resume, interviews).Week 12 – Final Evaluation & Transition (40 hrs) Learning Objectives: Demonstrate full competency and prepare for employment.
• Comprehensive final practical assessment (engine, hydraulic, electrical, powertrain) (16 hrs)
• Safety & tool proficiency review (8 hrs)
• Exit interview, program feedback & lessons learned (8 hrs)
• Employment consideration discussion & interview prep (8 hrs) Milestone: Program completion certificate & potential job offer discussion.Program Outcomes Upon successful completion, participants will:
• Perform preventive maintenance, diagnose faults, and repair Komatsu heavy equipment systems safely and accurately.
• Proficiently use Komatsu manuals, diagnostic tools, and software.
• Demonstrate professional communication, teamwork, and customer-focused service.
• Execute independent repairs with high quality under minimal supervision.
• Be prepared for full-time diesel technician roles, with an opportunity for interview/hire at WPI based on performance and openings.