Ag Mechanics will train techs on new engines

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Ag Mechanics faculty and Pioneer Equipment executives display the new engines donated by Kubota. University instructors are certified through the industrywide Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) certification program.

by Mary Lisa Russell

The Agricultural Mechanics program is geared up for the fall semester, thanks to a gift of 10 engines donated by Kubota to help train students in power mechanics. The small gasoline engines were donated through Pioneer Equipment Company, an official Kubota dealer, as part of a national program to combat the shortage of qualified service technicians.

Rex Young, Kubota Tractor Corporation district manager, said he is very concerned about the shortage and the company is donating more than 1,000 small gasoline engines to approved educational programs throughout the U.S. to promote agricultural mechanics.

"Our program educates secondary instructors in power mechanics," said Dr. Art Parham, chair of the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education.

"It makes sense to give our students the best training because they will pass on their skills to young people interested in becoming technicians."

Herman Wilson Jr., president of Pioneer, said a starting salary for service technicians can be $30,000. "We are hoping to encourage more students to choose power mechanics as a career," he said.