Mobile simulator promotes college program

PENFIELD, Ill. — Historic Farm Days visitors had the option to “drive” a classic 4020, the newest 9RX or anything in between at a new John Deere mobile simulator.

Lake Land College’s new mobile display promotes the Mattoon-based institution’s John Deere Ag Tech Program.

The simulator inside a trailer offered numerous options for visitors to try during Historic Farm Days.

“They can drive tractors, combines, semis, all kinds of different pieces of ag equipment, both new and old. There’s everything from X9 combines and 9RX tractors, all the way back to a 4020,” said Russell Neu, LLC John Deere technology program coordinator.

“It was purchased through grant money to the college. I’ve had it to a few high school career fairs and places like that. This is the first event this big that it’s been to. We plan on having it at some more places.

“We use this as a way to help build awareness of our program. It’s been busy this morning with kids of all ages. They’re getting a little bit of practice driving some equipment. It gives us a chance to talk to them about what their plans are after high school.”

Meeting Demand

To meet the demand for a new generation of service technicians, John Deere created the John Deere Ag Tech Program and selected LLC as one of a limited number of North American sites.

The joint John Deere and LLC program offers students many unique opportunities, including earning a salary while learning through on-the-job training at a participating dealership; training on the latest John Deere tractors, combines and implements and learning the newest diagnostic and servicing procedures.

Students also have the opportunity to move directly into employment with their sponsoring dealership upon successful completion of this associate in applied science degree program.

“We’re trying to build awareness of our program. There’s a ton of opportunities for technicians at John Deere dealerships. We’re just trying to spread the word on how many opportunities there actually are,” Neu said.

“We’re really fortunate that there’s a program like this in our area. I’m a graduate of the program. It can be a really successful career.

“I think high school students kind of underestimate how good of jobs they can actually get in their local area. So many of them think they have to move away to get a good job, but there’s a lot of jobs like a John Deere technician or any other kind of agricultural technician that there’s really a high demand for and you don’t have to go far to get it.”