It’s difficult to choose a new employer, no matter what line of work you’re in. As a diesel mechanic, the stakes can feel higher than most.
For you, changing companies often means switching industries, which can mean working with unfamiliar equipment. This can be intimidating and even a bit scary.
Training can help you be successful in a new role. That’s why you’re looking for a company with an established, refined technician training program.
If you’re considering becoming an agriculture machinery service technician at RDO Equipment Co., it’s important to understand our training program and what you can expect when you join us.
In this article, we’ll overview our training program so you can decide whether we’re the right fit for your next employer.
When Will Your Training Start as a Service Technician at RDO?
Training is a big part of what we do at RDO. Our service teams are the foundation of our business so we invest heavily in their onboarding and training.
Over your first 90 days as a service technician here, you’ll complete onboarding and familiarize yourself with our business.
During this time (usually after your first month at work), John Deere product-specific training might start. This depends on your background, the workload of the store and a number of other factors.
Expect to start training within your first 90 days at RDO.
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What Kind of John Deere Agriculture Training Do Service Technicians Receive?
RDO is proud to offer a full in-house service technician training program for John Deere agriculture machinery.
These trainings follow a curriculum developed by John Deere through their John Deere University (JDU) platform.
John Deere Core Classes
When you join RDO as a service technician, our first priority will be to get you John Deere Level 3 Certified — if you’re not already.
This certification is obtained by completing (which will allow you to work on John Deere’s warrantied equipment) five courses:
- John Deere Service Advisor
- Electrical/Electronics
- Hydraulics/Hydrostatics
- Air Conditioning
- Level 3 Engines
Each of these courses includes web-based training administered through JDU and in-person class training. All of the web-based training — which can be taken at a time arranged between you and your manager — must be finished before you can take the class.
In-person instruction for these five courses is conducted by one of RDO’s Certified Dealer Instructors (CDIs).
Here’s how long each class lasts:
- John Deere Service Advisor — 8 hours (one day)
- Electrical/Electronics — 16 hours (two days)
- Hydraulics/Hydrostatics — 16 hours (two days)
- Air Conditioning — 16 hours (two hours)
- Level 3 Engines — 28 hours (three and a half days)
Our CDI’s curriculum includes classroom training, hands-on product experiences and tests (written and practical). Expect to spend at least half of the time in the classroom and the other time getting hands-on with the machinery.
You’ll be given an exam to test your understanding at the end of the class. RDO service technicians need a grade of 80 percent or higher to pass.
Product and System-Specialized Learning Paths
Once you gain your John Deere Level 3 Certification (which comes with a nice plaque to show off), you can pursue additional certifications through our Product and System-Specialized Learning Paths.
These learning paths include more web-based training modules followed by in-person instruction and hands-on training from one of our CDIs, or at a John Deere Training Center.
Although this isn’t a complete list, some of the learning paths service technicians can pursue are:
- Balers
- Combines
- Precision Agriculture
- Tractors
- Planters and Seeders
- Sprayers and Applicators
There’s no limit on the number of specialized learning paths you can pursue as an RDO service technician.
Completing these learning paths are a great way to become more efficient in your role and build confidence with different pieces of machinery.
Training is a factor in our technicians' quarterly career path level reviews, so it’s good to work through them consistently.
Join RDO Equipment as a John Deere Agriculture Tech
Your progression as a technician is often influenced by your company’s commitment to offering training opportunities. As your career continues, try to find an employer that values development as much as you do.
Here at RDO, we’ve spent decades training our service technicians and refining our John Deere Agriculture programs.
Today, these consist of a core curriculum that you’ll start within your first 90 days, followed by systems-specialized learning paths where you’ll learn more about working on a specific line of machinery — like sprayers.
When you join RDO, expect to receive the training and support to build a service technician career you’re proud of.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career within a company committed to your growth, find an opening here. For any questions — either about training or otherwise — get in contact with our careers team.
We’re more than happy to help you in any way you need!
Scott Wilkins
Scott has been with RDO Equipment Co. for more than 30 years. Over his tenure, Scott has worked in various functions and impacted the organization in countless ways. In his first role, as controller, Scott managed the accounting functions in our Aberdeen, SD location for over 10 years. In 2006, Scott moved to San Diego, CA and worked as the general manager and aftermarket manager for RDO’s Vermeer region on the west coast. Today, Scott is the systems training manager based out of our Fargo, ND Field Support Office, a position he’s held since 2012. Helping RDO’s team members learn the business and understand the importance of their work is what Scott finds most fulfilling about his career here.
