In partnership with RDO Equipment Co., John Deere expanded its Construction & Forestry Technician (C&F Tech) initiative to include North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, N.D.

The C&F Tech program is a partnership between John Deere, its dealers and select community colleges across the country. Deere dealers sponsor students to earn an associate’s degree in diesel technology or an equivalent at participating colleges.

“The world’s growing population calls for an even greater need of infrastructure equipment and those who can keep them running,” said Jeff Kraft, division manager of John Deere Construction & Forestry. “This new college will provide the knowledge and skills needed for a successful and rewarding career at a John Deere dealership and help resolve technician shortages.”

To that end, NDSCS President John Richman said the expansion will benefit students and the North Dakotan region.

“The expansion of our private-public partnership with John Deere and RDO fills a critical need, especially in this region,” Richman said. ”And the benefit to our students is more than the access to the most up-to-date technology and equipment. Ultimately, this partnership launches very successful careers with RDO for our students.”