SCC’s Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment Tech program trains service technicians for Deere Construction & Forestry Equipment dealerships.
Location Offered: Milford only
Overview
The program is the result of a cooperative effort between John Deere Construction Equipment Company and SCC. It is a seven-quarter program designed to teach students all facets of Deere Construction & Forestry Equipment; from backhoes, excavators, dozers, loaders, motor graders, scrapers, to articulated trucks. Deere construction equipment is used in numerous types of earthmoving, including road building, underground utilities, site development and residential construction. It also is used in material handling, road repair, maintenance, and in full-tree and cut-to-length harvesting operations and in mill yards. Students will be on campus the first two quarters (six months) followed by one quarter (three months) of work experience in a sponsoring Deere Construction & Forestry Equipment dealership. Quarters four and five will be on campus, followed by another quarter of work experience at the student’s sponsoring dealership. The seventh quarter will be on campus prior to graduation. Wages earned during these periods of work experience help offset student’s educational costs. While on campus, students participate in lecture/lab courses during five of the seven quarters. The program is fully accredited by the state of Nebraska and by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Mission
The mission of the Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment Tech program is to prepare individuals for employment as high-quality entry-level technicians with Deere Construction & Forestry Equipment dealers.
Job Outlook
The number of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow about as fast as average. Those who have completed postsecondary training programs should find excellent opportunities, but those without a formal background in diesel engine or heavy vehicle repair will face keen competition. Graduates report an average starting salary of $23.35 per hour.