UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A program offered by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will help meet the needs of the turfgrass and agricultural equipment industry for highly qualified service technicians to keep equipment in top condition.

The Turfgrass and Agricultural Equipment (TAE) Service Technician Certificate program will create technicians for this service area.

"The turfgrass and agricultural equipment industries report shortages of qualified technicians wanting and able to work in the industry," says Doug Schaufler, instructor in the department of agricultural and biological engineering. "The Engine and Equipment Council estimates a shortage of 30,000 qualified technicians."

Developed with input from industry representatives, this two-year certificate program will be offered at the University Park campus over a two-year sequence of four eight-week sessions. The first session starts in October 2002.

"Offering the TAE program in four eight-week sessions each year allows individuals to work in the turfgrass and agricultural equipment industry when not at school," says Dr. James Hilton, associate professor of agricultural engineering and education.

Sessions will be offered back-to-back. The fall session runs from October through December, and the spring session runs from January through March 2003.

The first year curriculum includes mathematics for turfgrass and agricultural service technicians, hydraulic applications, engine technology, electrical systems, computer basics and applications, safe equipment transport and shop practice, communications and public relations, power transmission applications, turfgrass and agricultural equipment, and business concepts.

The following subjects will be covered during the second year: electronic applications, electro-hydraulics and hydrostatics, agronomy or turfgrass principles, machinery management for turfgrass, written communications and agriculture business applications, inventory management, agricultural equipment operation, shop management, turfgrass and agricultural equipment operation, irrigation systems and water management, power units, traction and weight transfer and diagnostics, repair and maintenance.

Optional workshops may include welding and metal working, plastics use and repair, painting, inventory control, safety management and other mechanical, business and management concepts.

The curriculum covers more than just engines, hydraulics and electrical systems, according to Hilton. It also includes equipment operation and adjustment, plus computer, business and management skills to allow service technicians to increase their contribution and become an integrated part of a successful business.

"The TAE program format caters to those interested in improving their careers and furthering their education, but are not interested in a conventional two- or four-year college degree," says Schaufler. "Classes meet eight weeks in the fall and eight weeks in the spring for two years, allowing students to participate in on-the-job experience for the majority of the year."

For more information, contact Dr. James W. Hilton by mail at The Pennsylvania State University, 232 Agricultural Engineering Building, University Park, Pa. 16802; by phone at 814-863-1817; or by e-mail at http://www.age.psu.edu/tae/tae.

###

EDITORS: Dr. James Hilton can be reached at 814-863-1817.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax #190