Preparing for the Future of Farming
Diesel Ag Technology students at Kirkwood Community College are gaining essential skills needed to fix farm equipment, positioning themselves for high-demand jobs in the agricultural sector.
"This one is actually owned by me and my dad, we bought it a few years ago. And then I did the farms 84 10 before this I overhauled that engine," said Nick Deitchler, a dedicated student in the program.
Diverse Focus Areas
The Diesel Technology program at Kirkwood offers a choice between Agricultural or Truck focus areas.
"We seem to fill up every single year to capacity. We can take 44 students into the program each year, 22 we keep balance between diesel ag and diesel truck," explained Brad Kinsinger, Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Hospitality Arts at Kirkwood.
This popular two-year program ensures that students graduate into a job market ready to hire.
Job Opportunities and Salary Potential
"We’ve got bulletin boards full of jobs, we’ve got employers constantly getting ahold of us trying to get graduates so it’s demanding. It’s showing in the pay too because the pay scale is going up," stated Doug Carlson, Diesel Technology Instructor at Kirkwood.
Starting salaries for graduates are promising, often ranging between $40,000 to $50,000, with potential to exceed $60,000 within a couple of years.
Real-World Applications
Colton Vos, another student, plans to return to his family farm in Newton after graduation.
"There’s definitely a lot of work to be done. There’s a lot of stuff that’s broken and need work and always, always something to work on there so I’ll definitely not be, I’ll be busy all the time," Vos commented.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Students have access to the latest technology in a large shop space, learning vital skills to support farmers in maintaining their equipment.
"Farmers today, with markets and prices may be holding onto equipment longer so that means there’s going to be more repair options," Kinsinger emphasized.
Students are not just learning; they are actively helping to fill a crucial need in eastern Iowa and beyond.
"I’m kind of thinking on buying a service truck and servicing the guys that are around us," Deitchler expressed, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit among students.
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