AGCO Technician Training Center opens at Parkland College

The new facility is the home of Parkland College’s AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program. (Photo: AGCO)

AGCO Corporation celebrated the grand opening of the AGCO Technician Training Center at Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. Made possible by a $5 million donation from the company, the center is “set to revolutionize diesel technology education,” AGCO stated, and help to address the shortage of skilled technicians in the agricultural industry.

The new 22,000-sq.-ft. facility houses the school’s AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, which provides instruction specific to the company’s equipment and precision ag technologies. The program is registered as an official apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor, providing students with a combination of classroom learning, paid on-the-job training and nationally recognized credentials.

The facility includes state-of-the-art immersive classroom technology, 18,000 sq. ft. 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.

The facility includes access to some of the latest equipment from AGCO’s Fendt, Massey Ferguson and PTx brands. (Photo: AGCO)

The location will also host training events for AGCO’s dealer network, during which student apprentices can learn alongside veteran industry technicians.

AGCO said the apprenticeship degree program aligns with its 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 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.”