Iowa community college offers power equip. tech. degree
Students can now earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Power Equipment Technology from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). The courses are a collaboration between DMACC and two John Deere dealership partners: Van Wall Equipment and K.C. Nielsen Ltd.
A multi-brand dealership with 35 locations across six states, Van Wall Equipment was the initial dealership to partner with DMACC when the college launched its Power Equipment Technology program in 2022. Starting this fall, K.C. Nielsen Ltd. becomes the second dealership to join the DMACC Power Equipment Technology program. K.C. Nielsen Ltd. is a family-owned and authorized John Deere dealership with 11 locations in Iowa.
Van Wall Equipment and K.C. Nielsen Ltd. both offer tuition reimbursement and paid internships to students accepted into the DMACC Power Equipment Technology AAS degree program. During the 21-month program, students work as interns at their dealership sponsor – either Van Wall or K.C. Nielsen – and receive an hourly wage while also earning college credits. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Power Equipment Technology from DMACC and will be immediately eligible for full-time employment opportunities at a Van Wall Equipment or K.C. Nielsen Ltd. dealership.
“Students in the DMACC Power Equipment Technology program learn the basics in a variety of technical areas, including shop fundamentals, electrical and fuel systems, engine repair, small engines, powertrains, power equipment hydraulics and air conditioning,” said Roy Kokemuller, DMACC Power Equipment Technology program instructor. “Students who complete the program and earn an AAS degree in Power Equipment Technology will be extremely well-rounded and ready for a broad range of great career opportunities.”
In 2022, Van Wall equipped the program with state-of the-art training simulators in electricity, hydrostatic systems and air conditioning. Van Wall also provides the program’s learning facility, which is located at the CITE Center on the Central Iowa Expo Farm Progress Show grounds approximately four miles east of Boone and the DMACC Boone Campus.
“Van Wall Equipment is excited with how this partnership has come together and continues to develop,” said Michael Van Houweling, Chief Operating Officer at Van Wall Equipment. “The DMACC Power Equipment Technology program represents a truly unique option for students in Central Iowa and beyond to learn about both John Deere agriculture equipment and a wide variety of other power equipment.”
“We are thrilled about our partnership with DMACC,” said Nick Nielsen, owner of K.C. Nielsen Ltd. “This collaboration offers an excellent opportunity for students to jump-start their careers by mastering a set of high-demand skills that will continue to grow in value in the future.”
Van Wall Equipment and K.C. Nielsen Ltd. both need skilled technicians to service compact diesel-powered equipment, including mini-excavators, skid steers, forklifts and wheel loaders; tractors and utility tractors; ATVs and UTVs; zero-turn mowers, lawn mowers, golf and turf mowers; motorcycles and dirt bikes; and snowblowers.
High school graduates with mechanical inclination, who like working with engines and who enjoy trouble-shooting and diagnostic testing are the ideal candidates for the DMACC Power Equipment Technology program. A new group of students begins the program each fall, and the school accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
