North Dakota State College of Science John Deere Tech students recently placed in the Agricultural Machinery Service Technician Contest at the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) Conference, which was located in St. Louis, Mo.

Three NDSCS teams comprised of two students each participated, winning third, ninth, and twelfth places at the national contest.
• 3rd Place: Ben Lindroos and Dominic Ourada. Lindroos is from Sebeka, Minn., and is sponsored by Midwest Machinery of Wadena, Minn. Ourada is from Wabasso, Minn., and is sponsored by Kibble Equipment Inc. of Wabasso, Minn.
• 9th Place: Justin Bauer and Nathan Maus. Bauer is from Bismarck, N.D., and is sponsored by RDO Equipment of Bismarck, N.D. Maus is from Freeport, Minn., and is sponsored by Larsons Inc. of Wheaton, Minn.
• 12th Place: Chris Kucera and Jake Refshaw. Kucera is from Thief River Falls, Minn., and is sponsored by RDO Equipment of Breckenridge, Minn. Refshaw is from Mahnomen, Minn., and is sponsored by Evergreen Implement of Mahnomen, Minn.

Twenty three teams from five states competed in the contest, including colleges from Iowa, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The Agricultural Machinery Technician competition is part of the Career Program Areas with the purpose to allow students to test their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a competitive environment to meet industry needs utilizing a variety of assessment techniques.

The Agricultural Machinery Service Technician Career Program Area is designed to:
• encourage the development of Agricultural Service Technicians’ opportunities;
• recognize individual accomplishments and educational curriculum in Agricultural Service Technician programs;
• encourage cooperation between education and industry; and
• strengthen the PAS organization by encouraging active participation.

The National PAS Student Organization is an organization associated with agriculture/agribusiness and natural resources offerings in approved postsecondary institutions offering baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, diplomas and/or certificates. PAS is one of 11 career and technical student organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education as an integral part of career and technical education.

To learn more about the John Deere Tech program at NDSCS, go to www.ndscs.edu/johndeere.

The North Dakota State College of Science John Deere Tech program has received The College of Tomorrow award from the John Deere Company and a Platinum ranking for the third consecutive year.

The award serves as a ranking system for the 16 colleges in the United States that offer a John Deere Tech program. The four levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Among other criteria, rankings are based upon a college’s program image and professionalism, students, instructor development, facility, safety and most importantly, student learning.

“We are truly honored to receive this Platinum designation,” said Larry Ascheman, NDSCS associate professor and John Deere Tech program coordinator.  “It’s important for students who are considering college options to understand the significance that this premiere John Deere Tech program is offered right here in North Dakota.”

The NDSCS John Deere Tech program is designed to develop technically competent, professional ag equipment service technicians. The John Deere Company sponsors the program and NDSCS administers and operates the program. This unique and innovative program combines state-of-the-art, on-campus learning experiences with supervised occupational experiences at sponsoring John Deere dealerships. Students receive technical training on John Deere equipment and related products through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences. Classroom and laboratory instruction at NDSCS covers the basics of each subject plus the latest developments in John Deere’s agricultural equipment. Work experience at the dealership reinforces on-campus training and exposes the student to real life failures and repairs as they occur on the equipment.

The John Deere Tech program is taught in Bisek Hall, a state-of-the-art diesel training facility which spans 125,000 sq.ft., and is located in Wahpeton, N.D. Graduates of the program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree (A.A.S.).

Prospective students can learn more by visiting www.ndscs.edu/johndeere or by contacting the John Deere Tech department (701-671-2213), Diesel Technology department (701-671-2330) or Enrollment Services in Wahpeton (1-800-342-4325).