Duluth, Ga. -- AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, celebrated the grand opening of the AGCO Technician Training Center at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
The new 22,000 square-foot facility is the home of the school's AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, which provides instruction specific to the company's popular machinery and precision ag technologies. Made possible by a $5 million donation from AGCO Corporation, this advanced training center is set to revolutionize diesel technology education and address the critical shortage of skilled technicians in the agricultural industry.
The AGCO AAS program at Parkland College is registered as an official apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor, providing students with a unique combination of classroom learning, paid on-the-job training and nationally recognized credentials. The new facility offers state-of-the-art immersive classroom technology, 18,000 square-feet of shop space stocked with special tooling and training aids and access to some of the latest equipment from AGCO's Fendt, Massey Ferguson and PTx brands for a highly relevant, hands-on learning environment.
The location will also host training events for AGCO's dealer network, at which student-apprentices can learn alongside veteran industry technicians.
AGCO's North American dealer network actively seeks passionate students to sponsor through internships, mentorships and post-graduate employment opportunities. The apprenticeship degree program aligns with the company's Farmer First strategy and FarmerCore initiative by preparing a well-trained workforce for high-demand careers that support the economic growth of farmers and their communities.
"Today's equipment and precision ag technologies require highly skilled technicians to keep our farmers farming," said Eric Hansotia, AGCO's Chairman, President, and CEO. "This facility demonstrates AGCO's commitment to future technicians, farmers and dealers, ensuring reliable operations and successful farming across the region."
To learn more about the AGCO Agriculture Service Technician A.A.S. degree program, go to AgTechnician.com and Parkland.edu/AGCO.