Fort Scott Biz

FSCC Deere Tech Program Unveiled

The sign atop the new John Deere Tech Program building at the intersection of Horton and 23rd Streets. The building is located on the easternmost segment of the main campus of Fort Scott Community College..

The public opening of the new John Deere Tech Program at Fort Scott Community College was held at the site Feb. 9.

A hamburger lunch was provided by the college.

Attending were prospective students, local residents, business corporations, FSCC staff and Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce members.

Attendees of the Fort Scott Community College John Deere Tech Program grand opening eat in the largest building of the tech complex. This building is the old National Guard Armory at Horton and 23rd streets.
The college provided a hamburger lunch for attendees of the John Deere Tech Program official opening.

Following the lunch were speeches and a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

FSCC President Alysia Johnston speaks to the crowd at the public opening of the new John Deere Tech Program building, completed in December 2017.

Tours were given prior to the event for those interested.

FSCC President Alysia Johnston left, gives a tour of the renovated welding shop located north of the new tech program building. At right is FSCC Board of Trustees Member Dana McKenney.

A building north of the new John Deere Tech Program building was renovated for welding classes instruction. The program began in August, with Brandon McAdam, as the instructor.

The John Deere corporation supplies new and used tractors for training the students,  said Dale Griffiths, tech program instructor.

Additional old tractors are supplied by dealers and individuals, he said.

Currently, there are 23 students in the program, mostly from Kansas and Missouri, Griffiths said.

“Ninety-five percent of the students will have a job waiting for them,” Griffiths said. “Technicians are the most demanded field in the ag. equipment business.”

Classes are in session from Monday through Thursday, Griffiths said.

“Most kids will travel back to work at their dealers,” he said.

In this program, students are required to work through a qualified dealership that provides paid internships throughout the program’s two years, according to information provided by FSCC.

After completing the program, students receive an associate of applied science degree and can transfer to Pittsburg State University to complete a four-year management option.

Many students choose to stay with their sponsoring dealerships to begin their career as a technician.

Federal loan and grant programs are available to students who qualify. For more information contact the financial aid office at 620-223-2700 or visit fortscott.edu.

 

 

 

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