Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has announced its first-ever agricultural manufacturing training program with AGCO Corporation. The Fendt Technician Academy will launch at UTI's Lisle, Ill., campus in Fall 2021.
"It's extremely exciting to launch UTI's first-ever agricultural manufacturing training program at our Lisle campus with an impressive manufacturer like AGCO," says Sherrell Smith, executive vice president, campus operations. "Since many of our Diesel program graduates go to work in the agriculture industry, we saw true value to our students in offering manufacturer-specific advanced training and credentials in agricultural equipment. It has been an honor to work with AGCO to develop an innovative program to meet the growing demand for trained tractor technicians."
The 12-week advanced program trains students to work with Fendt's exclusive technology to gain knowledge about the brand's engines, powertrains, hydraulics, electronics and Fuse technology, the company says. Classes will be limited to 12-15 students and will be taught by Fendt-certified program instructors. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be associate, expert and Fendt Technical Theory certified.
"AGCO's premium Fendt brand has experienced tremendous growth and expansion across North America in recent years, and that's led to increased demand from farmers and dealers for qualified technicians to support Fendt's industry-leading equipment," says Ed Barry, director, after sales and customer support training North America. "The caliber of students graduating from UTI's core Diesel Technology program is tremendous, and we are excited to launch the Fendt Technician Academy to train and certify more Fendt technicians to meet industry demands and create excellent jobs that serve America's agriculture industry."
Despite record numbers of Americans filing unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has risen for skilled technicians across the transportation and agriculture industries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deemed many of these jobs essential to supporting the nation's infrastructure during the health crisis, and UTI employer participants, including AGCO, continue to report a need for trained technicians.
