SkillsUSA National Conference –

Platte Valley Equipment is excited to attend the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference next week, June 23–25. This event draws the best and brightest young skilled trades talent from across the country— who are focusing on skilled trades careers in industries like agriculture, diesel technology, and machinery.

Our recruiting team will be there connecting with students, supporting competitors, and talking with students who want to make a difference in their communities through hands-on work and a full-filling career.

During the SkillsUSA National conference, PVE be participating in TECHSPO—a massive trade show that introduces students to the technology, careers, and companies shaping the future of industry and skilled trades workforce.

We’ll be showcasing what a career at Platte Valley Equipment looks like and why working in ag equipment is more exciting than ever. Whether it’s cutting-edge diagnostics or the latest John Deere equipment, our goal is to spark interest and open doors for students looking to grow and support our customers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Platte Valley believes in showing up for the next generation of techs and has a Student Technician Internship program that allows students interested in working with diesel mechanics, technology, or ag equipment to earn their degree for FREE – learn more here.

We can’t wait to meet with incredible students next week in Atlanta and connect with students from our area – meet us at Booth #584!

Real tools. Real tech. Real opportunity.

Real tools. Real tech. Real opportunity. Right from the start, that’s exactly what students will find at this summer’s TechKnowledge One Day Camp, hosted at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, South Dakota on 6/25/25 and 7/23/25. Indeed, this action-packed event delivers an up-close experience in the exciting world of diesel technology.


Students from Across the Midwest Gear Up for a One-of-a-Kind Experience

High schoolers from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Indiana are heading to LATC to get their hands on real equipment.
Specifically, the camp targets incoming 10th–12th graders, welcoming students who are curious about diesel and ag technology.
More importantly, it gives them the opportunity to work with real tools in real environments.
Additionally, students build connections with like-minded peers who enjoy hands-on challenges.
By learning in an energetic, supportive setting, they begin to visualize their future in a skilled trade.
Consequently, that spark could be the start of a lifelong career.
Furthermore, the camp offers exposure to the latest diesel and ag tech, giving students a real edge.


Hands-On Learning With Industry-Grade Equipment

Campers rotate through interactive stations focused on hydraulics, diesel engines, and GPS mapping on a John Deere Gator.
Meanwhile, expert instructors guide each activity, showing how technology powers today’s equipment.
Each task encourages exploration, problem-solving, and practical skill-building.
As a result, students gain both knowledge and confidence.
They leave with a stronger understanding of how diesel tech plays a vital role in agriculture and machinery.
On top of that, they get hands-on time with industry-grade tools that prepare them for real careers.


From Camp to Career: A Tuition-Free Pathway Through LATC

The hands-on fun is just the beginning.
Students also discover the TechKnowledge Student Technician Program at LATC.
Moreover, this tuition-free opportunity is made possible by Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, and Platte Valley Equipment.
These dealerships invest in students’ futures by supporting their education and training.
In fact, this partnership offers more than education—it offers a launchpad to success.
Real tools. Real tech. Real opportunity. It’s more than a message—it’s a mission.
Besides, students graduate with a job waiting for them.


Everything Students Need to Succeed—At No Cost

This program sets future technicians up for success with:
💰 100% paid tuition
🧰 $8,500 in tools and toolbox
📚 Books, fees, and materials included
🚜 A guaranteed job after graduation

In short, students walk away with zero debt and a career already lined up.
Even better, they gain real-world experience that sets them apart from the start.
Not only that, the support network continues after graduation to help students thrive.


Meet the Mentors. Build Connections. See What’s Possible.

Throughout the day, students connect with instructors, current technicians, and dealership mentors.
Additionally, they hear firsthand how rewarding this career path can be.
The energy in these conversations often becomes the inspiration students need to take the next step.
However, this isn’t just about motivation—it’s about access to real opportunities.
Students won’t just gain skills.
Instead, they’ll gain direction.
Finally, the camp helps students see their future clearly.


Start Your Future with TechKnowledge

Ultimately, the TechKnowledge One Day Camp is more than a summer activity—it’s a launching pad to something greater.
With Real tools. Real tech. Real opportunity. students shift their futures into gear and drive straight into success.

Learn more here

Read about our Discovery days

https://brandtag.com/

Welcome! LATC-TK Orientation

On June 4, 2025, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) and the TechKnowledge (TK) Program held their annual LATC-TK Orientation Day. The event welcomed new students entering agriculture and diesel technology programs. Platte Valley Equipment played an important role in supporting this event.

During the orientation, Platte Valley Equipment showed strong involvement. In addition, the dealership sent staff to meet students and provide industry insights. Platte Valley representatives answered questions about careers in ag equipment and diesel technology. Moreover, they helped students understand the opportunities available within the John Deere network.

The orientation included tours, equipment demonstrations, and program overviews. Platte Valley Equipment showcased John Deere machinery and precision ag technology. As a result, students could see firsthand the equipment they will work with during their training and future jobs.

Platte Valley Equipment’s support reflects a commitment to workforce development. Furthermore, the dealership partners with LATC and the TK Program to help train skilled technicians. Platte Valley offers internships and job placement to students completing their programs. Therefore, this collaboration helps students transition smoothly into the workforce.

The LATC-TK Orientation Day gave students a clear view of their education path. Additionally, Platte Valley Equipment staff shared information about career paths and job openings. They highlighted the growing demand for qualified technicians in agriculture and diesel fields.

Platte Valley Equipment also supports LATC students through scholarships and training programs. Their partnership helps ensure students receive practical skills and industry knowledge. Ultimately, this support builds a stronger local workforce ready to meet the needs of modern farming and equipment service.

LATC and the TK Program continue to see increased enrollment in diesel and ag technology programs. Consequently, Platte Valley Equipment’s involvement strengthens this growth. The dealership remains a key partner in preparing the next generation of technicians.

By supporting events like the June 4 LATC-TK Orientation, Platte Valley Equipment demonstrates its dedication to education and community. Overall, the dealership values its role in shaping future careers in agriculture and equipment service.

https://www.plattevalleyequipment.com/
https://plattevalleycareers.brandtag.com/

PVE Showcasing TechKnowledge at SkillsUSA TECHSPO ’25

Join Platte Valley Equipment at SkillsUSA TECHSPO 2025

Platte Valley Equipment showcasing TechKnowledge at SkillsUSA TECHSPO ’25 is a highlight of this year’s premier career and technical education event. We’re excited to announce that Platte Valley Equipment will proudly attend the 2025 SkillsUSA TECHSPO, where we’ll spotlight the Platte Valley Equipment TechKnowledge diesel program. This initiative prepares the next generation of certified John Deere technicians. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center, the TECHSPO is part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC)—a hub for industry leaders, educators, and students nationwide.

Explore Hands-On Learning and Career Opportunities

TECHSPO gives thousands of students the chance to explore hands-on learning, advanced technologies, and new career opportunities. Moreover, it connects students, educators, and industry leaders from across the country. For PVE, TECHSPO is the ideal platform to educate students about the Platte Valley Equipment TechKnowledge diesel program. This program, in partnership with Lake Area Technical College (LATC), blends classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience. This combination ensures students gain the practical skills and certifications needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Why the TechKnowledge Diesel Technician Program Stands Out

Students enrolled in the Platte Valley Equipment TechKnowledge diesel program benefit from, tuition paid in full, paid internships, tool packages, and mentorship from expert technicians. They graduate with industry certifications and the skills needed to thrive in the field. Platte Valley Equipment showcasing TechKnowledge at SkillsUSA TECHSPO ’25 is a great way to highlight how the program builds workforce-ready technicians through a proven educational model. Learn more about the opportunity at Platte Valley Equipment Careers.

Hear from a Successful Graduate

Treyton Mead, a student in the program, shares his experience:

“The John Deere program is actually a great program to take in 8 months—well, now in 10 months. I like how it’s 2 months on campus and 3 months for internship. The only flaw about the program is not having a big variety of machines to work on and learn about. The program helps you get certified in many ways to become a great tech out in the field, like your MAC for AC, and your AED for knowledge on everything. The instructors also help out by giving us what they know is best for us by getting us ready for the outside workforce. When I was first doing college, I didn’t know whether to stay in my home state or come here. When I did my first visit up here, I really enjoyed it and thought that being the first Platte Valley to graduate in the program would start something new for the school and our workforce, which I feel like it did. It’s a fantastic college and program—and also the instructors—for helping us get where we are.”

Treyton’s feedback highlights the value of real-world training, instructor support, and the pride of being part of something groundbreaking.

Visit Us at TECHSPO

📍 Visit us at Booth #584
📅 June 24–26, 2025
🏟️ Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

Be sure to stop by and meet our team to explore career paths. Discover how we’re committed to growing the next generation of skilled agricultural technicians.

https://www.plattevalleyequipment.com/

Experience a Day in the Life: Discovery Days at LATC TechKnowledge Program

Join us from March 24 to March 28 for our exciting Discovery Days at the LATC TechKnowledge program! This event offers high school juniors a unique opportunity to shadow current TK students as they immerse themselves in hands-on learning within our state-of-the-art shop. By participating in this engaging experience, prospective students will gain valuable insights into what it’s like to be a TK student, exploring the daily tasks and responsibilities involved in pursuing a career in technology.

During Discovery Days, students and their families will not only witness real-time job training on practical job sheets but also have the chance to meet with LATC admissions staff. This provides an excellent platform for attendees to ask questions about the program, understand the enrollment process, and discuss the various career pathways available after completion. To make the day even more enjoyable, participants will share a complimentary lunch while delving into the opportunities that the TechKnowledge program offers.

For those who show interest in the program, this is an incredible opportunity to earn a Diesel Technology degree at no cost! By being sponsored through one of our 38 locations, including Valley Plains Equipment, Kibble Equipment, or Platte Valley Equipment, students can embark on this life-changing educational journey without the financial burden.

For more information, please reach out
Careers@brandtag.com