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Lethbridge College signs partnership agreement

Mar. 22, 2016 - Lethbridge College, which is once again proving to be a leader in agriculture, is proud to announce it is the first post-secondary institute in Canada to sign an AGCO Advantage Partnership agreement with AGCO Corporation and Hanlon Ag Centre Ltd. The multi-faceted, non-exclusive partnership was signed in January 2016 and announced today.

AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of agricultural equipment. The AGCO Advantage was developed in the United States and is currently implemented at eight different colleges in the U.S.

The partnership includes support of the program by AGCO Corporation providing components used as training aids at no cost to the college's Ag and Heavy Equipment apprenticeship and certificate programs. AGCO will also provide Factory Training for the instructors and training materials associated with current AGCO products, giving students the opportunity to learn about the state-of-the-art technologies used on AGCO equipment.

"We are excited to partner with Lethbridge College and Hanlon Ag Centre," says AGCO Advantage program manager Russell Goertzen. "We look forward to working with them and encourage other dealers to explore this opportunity. This is a great step forward in developing the next generation of AGCO branded technicians in this area."

The partnership was first suggested by Lethbridge-based Hanlon Ag Centre Ltd., an AGCO dealer and long-time partner of Lethbridge College. Because AGCO equipment is embedded into the curriculum, the college becomes an ideal spot for dealers from across western Canada to send their employees and apprentices for training. Hanlon Ag Centre is the first company to sign an agreement with the college for dealer training.

"Bringing AGCO Corporation and Lethbridge College together provides an opportunity for students to be trained and educated on technology leading farm equipment," says Hanlon Ag Centre Ltd. co-owner Keith Shirakawa. "We at Hanlon Ag Centre Ltd. are proud to be supporting this partnership which shows our commitment towards the future in agriculture."

The partnership highlights the strength of Lethbridge College's apprenticeship and training programs as well as its agricultural programming. AGCO's commitment now allows the college to offer all four years of Ag Equipment apprenticeship training in a cost effective manner. The partnership highlights the flexibility now available in the brand new trades facility, which houses the Crooks School of Transportation.

"Collaborative partnerships are vital to the long-term success of Lethbridge College," says President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns. "AGCO's tremendous commitment allows us to offer more openings for students in our apprenticeship programs. It also lets other companies know that we are open for business and always looking for mutually beneficial industry partnerships."

Separate from the AGCO Advantage Partnership, Lethbridge College is also now hosting AGCO Technician dealer training. Throughout March and April, more than 20 AGCO technicians are coming to the college for additional learning opportunities. The college's new, modern facility creates an ideal space for training, and the college is looking forward to future opportunities to meet and exceed the training currently offered.

 

March 23, 2016  By Lethbridge College


Lethbridge College first college in Canada to sign AGCO Advantage Partnership agreement.

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