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Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere
Lake Area Tech’s Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere program is a two-year, dealer-sponsored training pathway developed in partnership with Brandt Holdings and John Deere dealerships. This AED-accredited program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience aligned to the equipment, systems, and standards used across participating dealerships.
Students train within a coordinated network that includes Kibble Equipment, Platte Valley Equipment and Valley Plains Equipment. Throughout the program, they gain hands-on experience with current tools, technology and industry service practices.
The curriculum stays aligned with the latest industry advancements. As a result, students learn the skills employers expect in today’s diesel technology field.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Technology. Many also have the opportunity to move into full-time employment with their sponsoring dealership after successfully completing the program.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
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Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere sector.
John Deere Service Technician
Graduates of the Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere Option can pursue careers as John Deere Service Technicians, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the advanced equipment used in modern agriculture and turf operations. In this role, you'll work with tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, precision technology systems, diesel engines, hydraulics, and electronic controls while helping customers maximize equipment performance and uptime. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy technology, troubleshooting, and hands-on work.
Where you might work:
• John Deere dealerships
• Agricultural equipment service centers
• Turf equipment dealerships
• Farm equipment organizations
• Agricultural operations
Precision Agriculture Technician
As a Precision Agriculture Technician, you'll support the GPS guidance, automation, connectivity, and data systems that power today's smart farming operations. Graduates can expect to install, diagnose, and maintain precision agriculture technology while helping producers improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. This role combines diesel technology with cutting-edge agricultural innovation.
Where you might work:
• John Deere dealerships
• Precision agriculture service providers
• Agricultural technology companies
• Farm equipment organizations
• Large agricultural operations
Product Support Representative
Product Support Representatives help customers maximize equipment performance through technical expertise, maintenance planning, and operational support. In this role, you'll work directly with producers and equipment owners to troubleshoot issues, recommend solutions, and strengthen long-term customer relationships. This career combines technical knowledge with customer service and communication skills.
Where you might work:
• John Deere dealerships
• Agricultural equipment manufacturers
• Dealer support organizations
• Regional service centers
• Agricultural technology providers
Service Manager or Dealership Manager
Many graduates use their technical training and dealership experience to advance into careers as Service Managers or Dealership Managers. In this role, you'll oversee technicians, coordinate service operations, support customers, manage resources, and help drive dealership success. This career path combines technical expertise with leadership, business management, and customer relationship skills. The program is specifically designed to provide a foundation for advancement opportunities after graduates gain industry experience.
Where you might work:
• John Deere dealerships
• Multi-location dealership groups
• Agricultural equipment distributors
• Farm equipment organizations
• Regional dealership operations
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I really enjoyed how the instructors incorporated valuable real-life interactions with local businesses through job shadowing, guest speakers, and on-site business tours."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $10,050 |
| State Fees | $3,375 |
| Departmental Fee | $5,532 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,325 |
| Uniform Fee | $280 |
| Tools | $9,000 |
| Books | $1,150 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $31,712 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What types of John Deere equipment will I learn to repair in the TechKnowledge program?
Students in the John Deere TechKnowledge program receive hands-on training on a wide range of John Deere equipment used in modern agriculture. This includes compact utility tractors (CUTs), row-crop tractors, combines, sprayers, and other core John Deere agricultural machines. Training is conducted on real equipment, ensuring students graduate with practical, job-ready repair and maintenance experience.
How does the dealer-sponsored John Deere option prepare students for careers at Deere dealerships?
The dealer-sponsored TechKnowledge program is designed to align directly with the needs of John Deere dealerships. Students take specialized machine technology courses that introduce precision agriculture systems, along with a dedicated diagnostics course focused on identifying and repairing common John Deere system issues. This targeted training ensures graduates are prepared to step into technician roles with confidence on day one.
What advanced skills will I gain related to precision ag systems and smart farming technology?
Students develop advanced skills in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies used across the John Deere product line. Training includes GPS guidance systems, AutoTrac, machine and implement communication, sensors, controllers, and digital diagnostics. Students learn how to calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize these systems to improve efficiency, yield, and machine performance—skills that are in high demand at modern John Deere dealerships.
Are internship or sponsorship opportunities available through John Deere dealers during training?
Yes. Students participate in four paid internship rotations with sponsoring John Deere dealerships while enrolled in the program. Each semester is structured with eight weeks on campus followed by eight weeks working at a dealership. These internships provide real-world experience, professional connections, and college credit while allowing students to earn money and build their résumés before graduation.
What makes the John Deere diesel option different from the other diesel technology tracks at Lake Area Tech?
The John Deere TechKnowledge program is unique because all instruction is focused exclusively on John Deere equipment and systems. Instead of training across multiple manufacturers, students gain deep, brand-specific expertise in one of the most recognized names in agriculture. Combined with built-in dealership internships, this focused approach allows students to graduate with real-world experience, specialized skills, and a clear pathway to employment at a John Deere dealership.
Diesel TechKnowledge John Deere Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
