Our Programs

Ag Technology & Mechatronics

Our Agriculture Education and Future Farmers of America (FFA) program is specifically designed to prepare high school students for successful careers in modern agriculture. This program provides a dynamic education that combines hands-on learning, technical training and academic study, in the areas of Animal Science, AgriBusiness and Plant Science. Whether your goal is to pursue a university degree, enter a skilled trade, or step directly into high-demand agricultural careers, our program equips you with the industry certifications, real-world skills and leadership experience needed to succeed.

CERTIFICATIONS

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drones)

iCEV Certifications in Animal Science, AgriBusiness and Plant Science

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Agriculture)

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

BENEFITS OF ALL PROGRAMS

Essential Resources and Wellness Services

Transportation Access

Skill Enhancement

Enriching Experiences

SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday: 8:30am-3pm

PROGRAM DATES

August through June

Open enrollment

ELIGIBILIY

Ages 16 to 24

Not a high school graduate (has not earned a high school diploma)

  • Sustainable indoor/outdoor farming technology projects: designing a walk-in cooler shed with CoolBot system, setting up irrigation systems, maintaining and repairing essential agriculture machinery, and the future development of a bee monitoring system. 
  • Visits to local agribusinesses such as Taylor Farms, Mann Packing, D’Arrigo, Costa Family Farms, Dole, and Ocean Mist. 
  • Attending events like the World FIRA (Federación Internacional de Robótica Agrícola) showcasing robotics and automation technologies in agriculture.
  • Agriculture mechatronics technician data analyst or automation engineer
  • Research and development engineer
  • Farm equipment technician
  • Farm management and operations 
  • Horticulture, hydroponics and controlled ag environment grower
  • Electrical or mechatronic engineer
  • Plant and soil scientist
  • Food safety and food processing engineer
  • Environmental consultant

Coursework also prepares students to pursue post-secondary training, industry certifications and college coursework such as Hartnell College’s Mechatronics Program. 

  • Hartnell is the first community college in California to offer a mechatronics program. 
  • Related programs at Hartnell include Agriculture Business, Agriculture Plant Science, Business Office Technology, Computer Science, Engineering and Food Safety.

Course Sequences

Through a combination of theory and hands-on experiences, students develop basic knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics. Instruction includes fundamentals of maintaining and repairing small gasoline engines, basic electricity, welding, construction, cold metal work and operating agricultural equipment safely.

This course focuses on specialized skill development in welding, fabrication, equipment operation and repair.

This course develops advanced welding, fabrication, equipment operation and repair skills.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS