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AGCO hopes new central IL training center starts talent pipeline

AGCO officials say the company’s new Technician Training Center is an investment in the future.

Ash Alt, manager of after sales technical training for North America, says the $5 million, 22,000-foot facility prepares the next generation of equipment service technicians.

“There is an associate degree program that we developed there to help develop the pipeline of future technicians to work at our local AGCO dealers.”  He says, “It’s a significant investment in resources, but the exciting thing is what the results are going to be for the future workforce.”

John Dunlap, director of AGCO’s service technician program, which is located on the campus of Parkland College, in Champaign, Illinois, tells Brownfield students are getting extensive experience with the company’s latest technology.

“A lot of the older mechanics are retiring and it’s hard to find these students that are wanting to do the hands-on work,” he says.

Dunlap says it’s a unique opportunity for students because they’re guaranteed employment upon graduation.

“The dealership that sponsors them actually pays for the education, pays for their tools and toolboxes.”  He says, “After they graduate, they’ve got a guaranteed job.  That’s the big thing is they can go work for the dealer right after they graduate.”

Alt says AGCO’s continued North American growth, through brands like Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and PTx, means more farmers needing support in the field.

“We’re going to need upwards of 2,000 more technicians over the next four to five years at our dealer locations to support this increase in sales,” he says.

He says just over 20 students are enrolled in the program’s inaugural class. 

AUDIO: Ash Alt – AGCO

AUDIO: John Dunlap – AGCO

Photo courtesy of AGCO