The John Deere Industrial Mechanic Program offers advanced mechanical and hydraulic training for individuals interested in a career with John Deere. Those completing the program will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automated Systems Technology from Hawkeye Community College. The program will be completed in about two years and will include a 1000 hour internship at a manufacturing plant. Participants must meet all Hawkeye Community College entrance requirements and must be successful in the John Deere selection and assessment process before they are accepted into the program.
Industrial mechanics repair and perform preventive and predictive maintenance activities on mechanical and fluid power systems on machine tools, and industrial machinery. They utilize a strong skill in problem solving to diagnose and correct problems as well as determine what needs to be done to prevent problems from recurring.
Individuals completing the program will gain preferential hiring for full-time employment as positions are available at John Deere.
John Deere, through the Hawkeye Community College Foundation, will offer forgivable loans to be used for Hawkeye's tuition and fees. Participants may apply for a loan from the Foundation for amounts up to two-thirds of the program cost. After the participants complete the program and begin their career with John Deere, the loan balance will be forgiven after three years of employment.
Applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent, be interested in manufacturing, and be able to attend school full-time. Course work or experience with mathematics, industrial arts, electronics, blueprint reading, and computers is helpful. Strong communications and teamwork skills are also necessary.
The first step is to complete the Hawkeye application for admissions. You may complete an online application or a paper application (pdf). You will need your high school transcript or GED scores. The staff at Hawkeye will walk you through the rest of the process.
For more information call 319-296-4000 or 1-800-670-4769.