Toyota’s Surprise CEO Change Signals Strategic Shift Amid Global Auto Turmoil 
FDA Targets Hims & Hers Over $49 Weight-Loss Pill, Raising Legal and Safety Concerns 
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings 
Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape 
Once Upon a Farm Raises Nearly $198 Million in IPO, Valued at Over $724 Million 
Nvidia, ByteDance, and the U.S.-China AI Chip Standoff Over H200 Exports 
Sony Q3 Profit Jumps on Gaming and Image Sensors, Full-Year Outlook Raised 
Alphabet’s Massive AI Spending Surge Signals Confidence in Google’s Growth Engine 
SoftBank Shares Slide After Arm Earnings Miss Fuels Tech Stock Sell-Off 
Baidu Approves $5 Billion Share Buyback and Plans First-Ever Dividend in 2026 
OpenAI Expands Enterprise AI Strategy With Major Hiring Push Ahead of New Business Offering 
Ford and Geely Explore Strategic Manufacturing Partnership in Europe 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
SpaceX Prioritizes Moon Mission Before Mars as Starship Development Accelerates 
SpaceX Pushes for Early Stock Index Inclusion Ahead of Potential Record-Breaking IPO 
Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Steps Down After Layoffs 
GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Nov. 08, 2016 -- Students earning the new Power Equipment and Technology certificate at College of DuPage will gain skills to work in the outdoor power equipment industry.
Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the 16-credit hour program also allows current employees to upgrade skills. Entry-level positions as small engine mechanics include work with landscape and construction companies, while positions in the outdoor power and equipment field include service technician, equipment/parts manager, compact diesel engine mechanic and generator technician.
“The demand keeps growing for people going into the small engine industry,” said Brian Clement, Instructor in the Horticulture program at College of DuPage. “Landscape companies own specialized equipment, and they are frequently calling us for students trained with these skills.”
According to the Department of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow in DuPage County through 2022 for small engine mechanics, 9 percent; motorboat mechanics, 9.38 percent; and motorcycle mechanics, 10.96 percent. Clement said compact diesels are a big new area requiring qualified mechanics.
Students who complete the certificate are prepared to test for Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) certification exams as well as the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician and Stihl Inc. Bronze certifications. Two faculty members belong to EETC, the largest association for the outdoor power equipment industry. COD is seeking accreditation to become the only accredited EETC community college in the state of Illinois.
Clement said John Deere & Company donated $50,000 in equipment to the College, including diesel engines.
“This field is different from mechanics who work on cars and trucks,” he said. “The new certificate will provide skilled employees to meet a growing need, whether you choose to work for a company or start your own.”
For more information about the Power Equipment and Technology certificate, visit www.cod.edu/programs/horticulture, email [email protected] or call (630) 942-3074.
Press contact: Joe Moore, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, (630) 942-2371.
