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AG Tech Program | 21st Century Equipment

AG Tech Program

The Ag Tech Programs

Secure a job while in high school, and get college reimbursed, all with 21st Century Equipment’s two-year diesel Ag Tech Program! Our reimbursement program works with John Deere regional colleges and our partner schools to offer students the chance to be a part of our team while growing their career as a service technician. Students learn the ins and outs of John Deere technology, equipment, systems, and more. They gain first-hand experience and learn from a team that takes great pride in what they do. After the program is complete, students receive guidance while working towards an autonomous work capacity.

Our 2-Year Diesel Ag Tech Program

Unlock your career potential with the 21st Century Equipment 2-Year Diesel Ag Tech Program. In collaboration with John Deere regional colleges and our trusted community college partners, we invite students to embark on a journey with our team, nurturing the possibilities of a career as a Service Technician. Gain hands-on experience with John Deere technology, diagnostic systems, and repair procedures, all under the guidance of our team.

John Deere Schools
  • Southeast Community College - Milford, NE
  • Garden City Community College - Garden City, KS
21st Century Partner Schools
  • Northeastern Junior College - Sterling, CO
  • Fort Hays Tech | Northwest - Goodland, KS
  • Mid-Plains Community College - North Platte, NE

Certification Options

  • WyoTech - Laramie, WY
  • Lincoln Tech - Denver, CO
We’re proud to be one of 20,000+ John Deere dealerships that are a part of the John Deere TECH program, a partnership with 24 colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada. You’ll gain hands-on experience to learn diagnostic and repair procedures using the latest high-tech electronics and software programs. When it’s time to graduate the program, you’ll also have the upper hand with job placements to start a John Deere career on the right foot.

AgTech Program Enrollment

  1. While in High School complete a college entrance exam (SAT/ACT/Accuplacer)

  2. Reach out to Mackenna Caryl, our student recruiter, at [email protected] or 970-692-3256 to go through program details and get an interview set up

  3. Complete an application for admission to your chosen college online at: southeast.edu, gcccks.edu, njc.edu, mpcc.edu, lincolntech.edu, fhnw.edu or wyotech.edu

  4. Come in for an interview with your chosen location and if necessary complete a Dealer Approval Form (SCC & GCCC only)

  5. Enjoy a stress-free rest of high school knowing you have a job and college lined up

  6. Start working in your chosen location after high school graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who pays upfront for college?
    • The student pays upfront for college and 21st Century Equipment reimburses the cost over 4 years after successful completion of their college program.
  • Do I get paid while in college?
    • No, you do not get paid while attending college. Students are paid anytime they are back at their sponsoring dealership in a working capacity.
  • How do I pay for college?
    • Loans, scholarships, federal student aid money, etc.
  • Do you have scholarships?
    • Yes, we offer an in-house scholarship along with providing our students a list of scholarships they are eligible for based on school and state. We encourage our students to apply for as many scholarships as they can.
  • If I take out a loan for college do you pay the interest?
    • No, we will pay for what the college program costs, not any accrued interest from a loan. Make sure to look into scholarships and apply for FAFSA.
  • What if I get a scholarship that covers some costs of the program?
    • We will reimburse what the program costs regardless of how it is paid for, if you get a $2,000 scholarship, that’s $2,000 we will still reimburse to you.
  • Do I need to buy specific tools?
    • Yes, your college provides a list of tools needed to complete your college program, students are required to fulfill this requirement. You can buy any brand that you prefer. Tool lists can be found on the college’s websites.
  • What if I don’t work for 4 years after graduation?
    • Reimbursement stops when you stop working for us, you do not owe anything back to us. You get about 25% of your school costs back per year.
  • What if I drop out of college?
    • You will no longer have a job spot waiting for you at the dealership and no college expenses will be reimbursed.
  • What benefits do I get as a student technician?
    • Student technicians are considered full-time employees and thus are eligible for health insurance including dental/vision, life insurance, accrue 3 weeks of paid time off per year, and get a steel toe boot and safety glasses stipend.
  • Can I attend a John Deere School without being sponsored by a dealer?
    • No, to attend a John Deere School, Southeast Community College and Garden City Community College, you must be sponsored by a dealer.
  • Are there grade requirements?
    • The college’s require that you keep a 2.0 to stay in the program, 21st Century requires you keep a 2.5. When students keep at 2.7 they are eligible for a pay increase each semester.
  • What is the pay?
    • After graduating High School all students are hired as Student Technicians and start at $18/hr for that first summer of work. Students can earn pay increases each semester based on their GPA, instructor feedback, and Service Manager feedback. Students coming out of John Deere Schools will start at up to $28/hr, students from other partner programs will start at up to $26/hr all based on previously listed performance reviews.
  • I have questions about the program, who do I contact?
    • You can reach out to Mackenna Caryl at 970-692-3256, or email at [email protected]. She is more than happy to schedule a call with prospective students' families as well to answer any questions.
  Brief Program Timeline Overview:
  1. At the end of junior or start of senior year reach out to our team to get an interview set up at your chosen 21st Century Location.
  2. After your interview, apply to your chosen college program.
  3. After you graduate high school you’ll start working at your chosen 21st Century Location.
  4. You’ll work that first summer as a Student Technician and then attend a student orientation in early August.
  5. Mid August students move into their university and start classes.
  6. Over winter break students will come back and work at their location.
  7. Mid-January students go back for their spring semester classes.
  8. Students will come back after their first year of college and work over the summer doing a Co-Op, this is a requirement by your university and dealership.
  9. Students will return to college for their second year again in Mid-August and repeat the process from the first year.
  10. Students graduate mid-May, with service managers and the student recruiter attending.
  11. After graduation students move back to their store location and begin their careers.
  12. Reimbursements begin post graduation after students have submitted their receipts.

Reach out to our recruiting team to learn more about which opportunities would best support you in reaching your goals and building your future.

Student Spotlight

Jaxson Eskam, a recent graduate of Southeast Community College (SCC) in Milford, NE, wasted no time in launching his John Deere career. As a member of the John Deere Ag Technician Program, the 20-year-old didn't have to go through the usual job-hunting process or worry about student debt burden. "I feel like I'm ahead of the game," Jaxson said, "This program has given me a head start financially. I don't have any school debt or student loans."

Student Testimonials

"I attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO which provided a quality education and great hands on experience in the shop. I felt ready to enter the workforce. The company assisted me with purchasing a good set of tools and I landed this job right out of college! It’s great working with the veteran technicians as they are always willing to help and provide tricks of the trade."

Kyle English

Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO

“I attended the John Deere Ag Tech program in Milford. It was nice being able to reinforce what we learned in the classroom during our coop experience at the dealership. I already knew John Deere Service Advisor, Parts Expert and DTAC so it made starting the job easier. The tuition assistance was a big help and made college affordable for me.”

Adolfo Ortega

Southeast Community College Holyoke, CO

Tuition Assistance

Reimbursement for tuition & fees, books, room & board 
(on-campus housing) will be paid at the following rates:
  • 100% for John Deere programs: SCC & GCCC. 80% for specific college partners: NJC, MPCC, NWKTC & WyoTech.
  • Students will be provided laptop for Service Advisor if needed for college.
  • Students will receive a company cell phone following graduation A $2,500 incentive bonus will be paid to student technicians who successfully complete a 
full-time internship during the summer between high school and starting a diesel technology college program.
  • Full program details available in Tech Reimbursement Agreement.

Scholarship Opportunities

We believe a company is only as good as its employees, which is why we provide the resources and financial opportunities to advance your knowledge and your career starting today. Learn more about the different scholarship opportunities available to current high school students or graduates.
  • Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association 
Scholarship Program
  • Equipment Dealers Foundation Scholarship
  • Mike Rowe Scholarship