High School

You should take as many mathematics, technical/shop, and mechanical drawing classes as possible. Take science classes, including earth science courses, to gain insight into agriculture, soil conservation, and the environment. Computer science classes are also excellent preparation for this career, as computer use is becoming more widespread in all agricultural fields. Look into adult education programs available to high school students; in such a program, you may be able to enroll in pre-engineering courses.

Postsecondary Training

A high school diploma is necessary; some college and specialized experience is also essential. A four-year education and some continuing education courses can be beneficial in pursuing work, particularly if youre seeking jobs with the government.

Postsecondary education for the agricultural equipment technician should include courses in general agriculture, farm power and equipment, practical engineering, hydraulics, agricultural-equipment business methods, electrical equipment, engineering, social science, economics, and sales techniques. On-the-job experience during the summer is invaluable and is frequently included as part of the regular curriculum in these programs. Students are placed on farms, functioning as technicians-in-training. They also may work in farm equipment dealerships where their time is divided between the sales, parts, and service departments.

Farm equipment manufacturers may also provide:

• training sessions specific to their equipment
• covering topics such as diesel engines
• transmissions
• electrical systems

Employers may send trainee technicians to sessions that generally last up to a week.

Occupational experience, one of the most critical phases of the postsecondary training program, allows students to discover which field best suits them and which phase of the business they prefer. Upon completing this program, most technical and community colleges award an associates degree.

Certification and Licensing

Some manufacturers provide certification for specific equipment or repair methods. Becoming certified is a great way to demonstrate your skill (and stand out in the job market) and earn higher pay.

Many colleges and universities offer certification programs that help students gain extra skills and opportunities to get a job in this field.

Willmar, Minnesota-based Ridgewater College offers an Agriculture Equipment Mechanic Program. Shasta College, located in Redding, California, offers the Agriculture Equipment Operations & Maintenance Certificate. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, an Agricultural Equipment Technician program is offered by Assiniboine Community College.

Agricultural equipment repair students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships and part-time jobs.

The work of the agricultural equipment technician is similar to that of an engineer. You must know physical science and engineering principles and have enough mathematical background to work with these principles. You must have a working knowledge of farm crops, machinery, and all agriculture-related products. It would help if you were detail-oriented. You should also have people skills, as youll work closely with professionals, other technicians, and farmers.

Some skills required of agricultural equipment technicians include:

• Control Precision: The capacity to precisely position the controls of a machine or vehicle in rapid succession.
• Manual Dexterity: The capacity to swiftly relocate your hand, either by itself or in conjunction with your arm or both hands, to seize, maneuver, or assemble items.
• Repairing and Maintaining: To maintain and repair agricultural equipment.