It’s no longer just readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic at Texas A&M University. John Deere Construction Equipment Company (JDCEC), in cooperation with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is starting a specialized operator training program at the service’s 1,200-acre facility in Newark, TX.

The program features John Deere equipment and consists of a 32-hour course with a heavy concentration of hands-on training — 28 hours “in dirt” and four hours in the classroom. The program is tailored to both the novice and experienced operator.

“We are very excited about our association with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, as it is recognized as one of the premier schools for construction equipment training,” said JDCEC Training Center Manager Phil LaGatta. “We have been wanting to expand our training offerings for customers and this partnership provides an excellent platform for addressing operator training needs. We emphasize product and technical education and with this curriculum and facility we will be able to satisfy an additional customer need in the marketplace,” added LaGatta.

Deere machines in the operator training program include backhoe loaders, dozers, excavators, four-wheel drive loaders and motor graders. Instructors and professional operators from the Deere Training Center in Davenport, IA, will advise and assist the TEEX staff.

TEEX’s Engineering, Utilities and Public Works Training Institute’s business development manager, Jack Pettyjohn sees the alignment benefiting everyone.

“This is an extremely positive relationship and one that has been needed in the industry for some time. We are supplying an excellent service to owners and operators, advancing the scope of training and cultivating relationships. We are combining our strengths in a very positive way,” said Pettyjohn.