Titan Machinery Incorporated, with support from community and technical colleges in Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, recently hosted nearly 140 students in grades 9 and 10 during its Titan Machinery Diesel Camps.
Headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, Titan Machinery is one of the largest American dealers of agricultural and construction equipment.
The company’s camps are an innovative new program that provides students with hands-on experience in the field of diesel mechanics.
Campers worked alongside certified diesel technology instructors, industry experts from Titan, and current student technicians to problem-solve real-world mechanical issues, learn about the inner workings of machines, and actively complete equipment repairs. They also drove equipment and toured the campuses.
"Through these camps, our goal is to increase awareness of and interest in career and technical education (CTE) programs and ensure students appreciate the income potential and lifestyle advantages of skilled trade careers," said Sarah Kenz, Talent Acquisition Manager at Titan Machinery.
The camps spanned two to four days each, providing attendees with an understanding of shop safety, diesel technology basics (electrical, hydraulics, drivetrain/powertrain, engines, and fuel systems), as well as a look at future technology in the equipment industry.
They were held at these four schools:
- Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
- Central Community College, Hastings, Nebraska;
- North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, North Dakota;
- Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, South Dakota.
Due to the number of students participating and positive responses from students and parents, Titan and the instructors at each college have already begun planning for camps in 2024.
"The response was overwhelming," Kenz noted. "We’re already looking for dates from May through July of 2024 and hope to host even more students through this program."
Students commented:
- "My favorite part of camp was learning about engines and how to adjust the valves on an engine. I also liked learning about the new technology that will be used in the future."
- "Basically, everything I loved—working in the shop and getting my hands dirty."
- "My favorite part of the camp was talking to the diesel instructors and running the heavy equipment. I also enjoyed getting to see the Hastings campus."
- "Running the heavy machinery, welding, and meeting new people."
Building for the future
The Titan Machinery Diesel Camps program is unique in its approach to exposing young students to career options in the skilled trades and helping to change misconceptions about diesel mechanics.
By providing a safe, fun, and interesting learning environment, the camp aims to encourage more students to consider a career in this field.
The program is also designed to change the perception of a diesel mechanic career that educators and parents may hold.
By partnering with key program partners, Titan is helping to close the skilled trades gap and create a wider breadth of "people they know" for students to turn to for information and guidance about post-high school plans.
According to new data from Stanley Black & Decker, almost 80 percent of young people and their parents are worried about how they'll pay for college, making a career in the skilled trades an attractive option.
A survey also showed that high schoolers and their parents had outdated ideas about the trades, with about one in four disagreeing that skilled trades work with cutting-edge technology and one in five disagreeing that the work is in high demand.
The trades aren’t gender-specific
Additionally, the study shows there are discrepancies in knowledge, consideration, and appeal between genders when it comes to skilled trades.
Yes, boys are more familiar with and likely to consider a career in a skilled trade than girls, and parents of boys are more likely to see a career in a skilled trade as a very appealing option for their child.
However, the program aims to help resolve this skilled talent shortage by driving more engagement with women and demonstrating how this career field in the equipment industry can be an opportunity for everyone.
Titan Machinery currently owns and operates a network of more than 90 full-service agricultural and construction dealerships in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Idaho, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Colorado, offering products from Case IH, New Holland, and others, in addition to having operations in eastern Europe.
To learn more about Titan Machinery and its diesel camps, visit www.titanmachinery.com/DieselCamps.