Last fall began a groundbreaking collaboration between the Lonoke Business Academy (LBA) and Greenway Equipment. The collaboration is made possible because of a $1.5 million investment by Greenway Equipment and a $1.2 million grant from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development. This strategic alliance not only positions Lonoke as the first high school in the United States to become a John Deere dealer partner school, but also addresses the anticipated surge in demand for trained technicians in the next ten to fifteen years.
The collaboration between LBA and Greenway paves the way for students to become proficient John Deere technicians while still in high school. It allows the Lonoke Business Academy, Greenway Equipment, and students, to do the following:
- Meet Future Demands:
The partnership arises from Greenway’s forecast of a high demand for trained technicians in the coming decade. With the rapid advancement of technology in the agricultural sector, the need for skilled professionals is more critical than ever. By joining forces with Lonoke Schools, Greenway aims to proactively address this demand by shaping the next generation of John Deere technicians.
- Experience Cutting-Edge Training Opportunities:
Through this collaboration, LBA will offer students an exclusive opportunity to delve into the intricacies of John Deere equipment technology. The curriculum covers essential aspects such as Engine Systems, Electrical Systems, Computer Diagnostics, and Hydraulic Systems. This hands-on experience equips students with practical skills and knowledge that will prove invaluable in their future careers.
- Award Certifications to Graduates:
It is a 2-year high school program designed to give qualified students the skills needed to diagnose and repair agricultural equipment. The LBA student will receive the John Deere certifications necessary for an opportunity to achieve full-time job placement upon program completion. These certifications not only enhance students’ employability but also provide a seamless transition from high school to the workforce.
- Honor A Proud Tradition:
This unique partnership aligns with Greenway’s commitment to fostering a skilled local workforce by providing high school students with specialized training, laying the foundation for a successful career in the agricultural industry. By actively participating in educational initiatives, Greenway continues to contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural community, nurturing the next generation of leaders and technicians.
Jared Field, Training Manager at Greenway said of the partnership: “Any given moment, we’re looking for at least 30 service technicians, and so there’s always space within our shops. For kids that are not interested in going to post-secondary education, this is an opportunity to grab them while they’re in high school, get them up to speed educated to where they can roll out and immediately be as effective as one of our service technicians who’s been with us for several years.”
In announcing the collaboration last year, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “I spent about two years on the campaign traveling all over the state. Every single corner that I went to, every region, every business leader I met with, everybody had the same problem: They could not find skilled, qualified workers fast enough, and so what is happening here today is changing the game, changing the dynamic of what really building a skilled, qualified workforce looks like.”
