Agricultural equipment has become more complex, precise, and expensive, and it is becoming more difficult for individuals to repair their own equipment. Students in this program learn the theory, operation, and repair of a variety of tillage, planting, and harvesting equipment, as well as tractors. Students study diesel engines, drivetrains, electrical systems, and hydraulics. This program includes a dealership internship during the summer between the first and second year; which, prepares the student to be employed as technicians at farm implement dealerships, repair shops, businesses that use farm equipment or diesel engines, or to work on their own equipment.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    If you have a love of farm machinery and good mechanical skills, are detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving challenges, Agricultural Power & Equipment Technician may be a good fit for you.

    Students entering the Agricultural Power and Equipment Technician program should:

    • Have an interest in machinery and a good mechanical aptitude.
    • Have reading skills in order to understand complex manuals.
    • Have good math skills.
    • Be self-motivated.
    • Work well with others.
    • Work well independently.
    • Be able to lift 75 pounds.

    Program Basics

    • Technical diploma - requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
    • Day classes.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in August and January.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,932
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $10,305
    Books and Supplies $1,463
    Personal Expenses $3,065
    Transportation $4,103
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $700
    Loan Fees $85
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $24,653
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $12,327

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Admissions & Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
      • Admissions Preference Policy
      Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.

    Academic Preparedness Requirements

      Log in to your MySWTC account, go to My Profile → Document Center → All Programs to complete the following:

    • Send your transcripts and scores to Southwest Tech: While not required, sending your transcripts and test scores helps us make sure your classes are the right fit. We consider any previous college credit you’ve earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit your high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores by emailing admissions@swtc.edu, or mailing them to Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Career Assessment Plan
      Start your Student Success Plan by exploring your career interests, talking through your program choice, and confirming your path feels like the right fit. This step can be completed either by setting up a One-on-One Career Assessment Meeting with a recruiter or as part of your Student Success Plan Meeting with an advisor. Schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.
    • Academic Map + Supports & Services Plan
      Continue building your Student Success Plan by planning your courses, reviewing funding options, and connecting with resources. To complete this step, schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.
  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Repair electrical systems
    • Analyze an electronic system
    • Repair hydraulic systems
    • Follow industry safety standards
    • Repair power trains/transmissions
    • Repair internal combustion engines

    Related Degrees

    • Farm Operations & Management - Farm Ag Maintenance
  • Career Opportunities

  • Opportunities for employment in this field continue to be excellent, and graduates may specialize, depending on the size of the shop where they are employed. The following are typical examples of employment that a person may find:

    • Farm Equipment Technician: Specializes in servicing of all types of agricultural machinery; e.g., combines, balers, tractors, skid loaders, and related equipment.
    • Diesel Equipment Technician: Services and repairs diesel-powered equipment, including farm equipment, trucks, and heavy- or light-construction equipment.
    • Mobile Equipment Technician: Troubleshoots and services equipment, including hydraulic and electrical systems on trucks, tractors, and other types of equipment.
    • Service Writer: Assist customers with writing repair orders, filing warranty claims and assisting with daily operation of the shop.
    • Parts Department Personnel: Works in a dealership selling parts over the counter to businesses, farmers, or dealership shops. Inventories parts for stock.

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    Agricultural Power & Equipment Technician Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    31-804-305Applied MathematicsYes
    College Mathematics CLEP Test would also be accepted.
    32-070-344Air ConditioningYes
    EPA Certification #609 and Skills Demonstration
    32-806-303Science of MechanicsYes