Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — John Deere “Green” recently offered Pioneer Valley High School Ag Mechanics students a chance to become an equipment repair technician and join the team.
More than 120 Panthers heard a presentation from Coastline Equipment Branch Manager Carl Stolworthy about a program that involves a paid internship, a chance to attend college and later become a technician, said assistant principal Greg Dickinson. The company needs students in the Santa Maria and Oxnard areas, according to school counselor Rebecca Leadbetter.
The John Deere C&F Tech program is a two-year degree from Linn-Benton Community College in Oregon. Upon successful completion with a 3.0 GPA, the graduating student will have earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and will return to the sponsoring dealership as a full-time entry-level John Deere Technician.
Students will be reimbursed for one-half of the out of pocket tuition expenses during the 2-year program. Reimbursement will be provided upon receipt of quarterly tuition expenses and grades after completion of each term by student. The remainder of the out of pocket tuition expenses will be reimbursed in four (4) installments following the 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months anniversary of their full-time employment with Coastline.
“I would to thank Mr. Dickinson, Ms. Leadbetter and Mr. Hector Guerra for the opportunity to present the John Deere C&F Tech Program sponsored by Coastline Equipment to the students of PVHS,’’ Stolworthy said. “It was a pleasure to meet the students and we hope some of them take advantage of this great opportunity.’’