Des Moines Sun

DMACC students now have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Power Equipment Technology through an innovative new partnership between DMACC and Van Wall Equipment.

The first group of DMACC Power Equipment Technology students started classes in Fall 2022 and will graduate in Spring 2024 after completing the 21-month program. An information session and lunch event for the new program were held Fri., March 3, at the CITECenter on the Central Iowa Expo Farm Progress Show Grounds near Boone.

“In the DMACC Power Technology Program, students learn the basics in nine technical areas: Shop Fundamentals, Basic Electricity, Fuel Systems, Engine Repair, Small Engines, Power Trains, Power Equipment Hydraulics, Air Conditioning and Welding,” said Roy Kokemuller, the Technical Course Instructor in the program. “When they graduate, students will have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree and have foundational knowledge of gasoline and small diesel engines, and their components that can be applied to real-world experience.”

DMACC and Van Wall worked together to plan the program's curriculum. Technical courses are taught at the CITECenter near Boone, and General Education courses are held at the DMACC Boone Campus.

Van Wall provides paid student internships, tool allowances and full scholarships to qualifying students in the program, and currently provides the CITECenter learning facility, power technology equipment and the instructor. Van Wall equipped the classroom with state-of-the art training simulators in electricity, hydraulics, hydrostatic systems and air conditioning. Additionally, Kohler donated 10 new engines for the students to work on in the small engines class.

The program includes an on-the-job internship component, and with Van Wall, students are paid a standard hourly rate for all of the time spent working at dealerships to fulfill this component. Students have an opportunity each semester to achieve pay increases by meeting set academic standards.

How to learn more:

The DMACC Power Equipment Technology Program is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester, which is when the next program co-hort will begin.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program is encouraged to contact DMACC Pathway Navigator Jean Ostrander at (515) 433-5055 or jmostrander2@dmacc.edu, or Van Wall Recruiting Specialist Brittnie Van Houten at (515) 423-7643 or brittnie.vanhouten@vanwall.com.

More information can also be found online at powerequipment.dmacc.edu.

Original source can be found here.