Program Introduction and Requirements

The John Deere TECH Program at Navarro College is a two-year program designed to enhance the technical skills and professionalism of new entry-level John Deere service technicians, preparing them for today’s high-tech, fast-paced field of agricultural mechanization career path with excellent employment opportunities. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Agriculture Mechanization degree.

Students learn in an environment that balances classroom theory with hands-on lab activities using advanced training aids and the latest agricultural equipment. They also gain valuable, real-world experience by applying what they’ve learned while working as paid interns at their sponsoring John Deere dealerships, a unique opportunity to “earn while they learn.”

The TECH curriculum, designed by John Deere in partnership with Navarro College, covers the full range of technological advances in agricultural mechanization while focusing on the entire John Deere agriculture and consumer product lines.

In addition, the program emphasizes communication skills and other essential professional competencies that support long-term career success. Our mission is to prepare tomorrow’s service technicians with the technical expertise, academic knowledge, and professional skills necessary to meet the real-world challenges of today’s agricultural service industry.

 

Entrance Requirements

To enroll in the John Deere TECH Program, you must:

1. Obtain and maintain sponsorship with an authorized John Deere dealership.

2. Be accepted into the John Deere TECH Program and Navarro College.

3. Take the TSI Assessment Test and submit all other necessary documents to both the John Deere TECH Program and Navarro College.

 

Dealer Acceptance and Sponsorship

As part of the acceptance process, students must contact an authorized John Deere dealership of their choice for sponsorship. During this discussion, the following topics should be addressed:

1. Job expectations at the dealership:

2. Dealer expectations

3. Student expectations

4. Employee ID number.

5. Required uniforms for school and work.

 

You must have sponsorship from an authorized John Deere dealership to participate in the John Deere TECH Program. It is your responsibility to secure and maintain that sponsorship.

The purpose of sponsorship is to give you the opportunity to gain real-world experience inside a John Deere dealership. This experience is part of your education and training, and upon graduation, it may lead to the possibility of full-time employment if both you and the dealership choose to continue the relationship.

When selecting a sponsoring dealership, it is best to choose a location that interests you and supports your career goals. Because you will complete your summer and winter internships at your sponsoring dealership, we recommend choosing one close to your home so you can live at home during those times. Another option is to select a dealership near relatives, which may allow you to stay with them during your internships.

If you have difficulty finding a sponsor, you may contact those listed for assistance. If the first dealership you approach does not agree to sponsor you, you are encouraged to schedule interviews with other John Deere dealerships. Once a dealership agrees to sponsor you, complete the Student Sponsorship Agreement Form and return it to the John Deere TECH Program Director at Navarro College.