In a partnership with AGCO, Parkland College is developing an Agricultural Education Center dedicated to training skilled farming industry technicians. As Fox Illinois reports, the AGCO Agricultural Education Center will ensure students receive practical training and job placements upon concluding the program.

With Central Illinois' prosperous farming community, the alliance directly addresses a regional demand for skilled technicians. WCIA details that the Center is intended to, to enhance student skills and instigate collaboration with industry companies. The $6 million project is primarily bankrolled by AGCO's $5 million contribution.

AGCO dealerships sponsoring students are unprecedented aspects of the program. These sponsored students secure part-time work with their respective dealership while still studying at Parkland College, gaining immediate industry experience. As mentioned by Dr. Pam Lau, President of Parkland College, to Fox Illinois, the model eliminates employers' on-boarding expenses for new employees, benefitting both students and businesses.

Courses designed for this program will incorporate digital instruction for machinery operation, equipping students for machines that collect farmer data. Scheduled to open the building with classes commencing by August 2024, the AGCO Agricultural Education Center represents to working with an exciting method to apprenticeship programs.

The collaboration between Parkland College and AGCO isn't a novel concept for the academic institution. According to another WCIA article, the college previously held a similar partnership with the Ford Asset Program, marking its commitment to innovative tactics addressing skilled labor requirements in different sectors.

Parkland College, aided by corporate partnerships like with AGCO, continues to redefine potentials for educational facilities in workforce preparedness and varied industry collaboration. It sets a standard with other facilities may well echo in upcoming years.