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/

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 Career Day with Platte Valley Equipment!

Platte Valley hosts career day events with local schools to introduce students to agriculture and our John Deere Dealerships. Another way we are helping growing and build lasting legacies.