Technical Training: AGCO Supports Associate Degree Program at Parkland College
On March 7, 2023, AGCO announced an expansion of its technician training program with Parkland College located in Champaign, Illinois. The $5 million donation from AGCO will construct a new 25,000 sq.-ft. state-of-the-art training center, which will house a new AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program. The new AAS program will equip graduates with the skills needed to help AGCO dealers maintain Fendt and Massey Ferguson equipment.
The company says its growth in North America has increased demand for technicians. Classes will start this fall for students sponsored by AGCO dealerships. The two-year program will be based on a work-based learning model to rotate students between classwork and fieldwork and award fully accredited associate degrees to successful participants.
“The AGCO Agriculture Service Technician A.A.S. degree program at Parkland is an exciting commitment that will help educate the technicians of tomorrow that our dealers and farmers need to keep feeding the world,” said Seth Crawford, AGCO SVP and GM, Precision Ag and Digital. “Parkland College’s longstanding reputation for excellence in agriculture education and diesel technology makes it a perfect location to train AGCO’s future technicians.”
“Parkland is pleased to grow its relationship with AGCO to meet the expanding need for skilled technicians to support agricultural equipment dealers and farmers,” said Dr. Pamela Lau, Parkland College President. “Building on the success of our Midwest Center for Precision Agriculture and the expertise of our faculty, we look forward to expanding our training capabilities with this AGCO-specific program and facility. We commend AGCO leadership for their strategic vision and look forward to welcoming the next generation of technicians to campus this fall.”
More about the AGCO Agriculture Service Technician A.A.S. degree program at Parkland College, go to Parkland.edu/AGCO
