Parkland Diesel Tech Program Expanding
CHAMPAIGN – Parkland College broke ground on a diesel center that’s part of a program where 100 percent of students get a job.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Parkland College’s new Diesel Technology Addition took place on Friday, November 5, at the Tony Noel Agriculture Technology Applications Center.
The facility is unique, said program Director Mark Ziegler, because repair jobs are there even in a recession, and equipment dealers play a role in bringing students in.
Case New Holland is the primary corporate sponsor, lending the center some of its latest combines and construction equipment.
Speakers at the ceremony included representatives from Case New Holland and Birkey’s Farm Store, Inc.; Parkland President Thomas Ramage and Parkland Board of Trustees member Linden Warfel; and program Director Mark Ziegler.
“If you’ve been a good student, productive in the workplace, and have a desire to work, there will be a job. Not a job. You’ll probably have your choice of several different jobs,” said Phil Fayhee, Operations Manager for Birkey’s Farm Store.
Parkland’s new diesel technology center will be open for classes in Fall 2010.
