Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has signed an agreement with Kubota Tractor Corporation to provide students in the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology (HEMT) and Maritime Multi-Craft Technology (MMT) programs with training through the “Kubota Tech” National Student Certification Program. Through this program, students will receive NC3 credentials through the National Coalition of Certification Centers, a nationally recognized certification program.

In addition, MGCCC will be recognized as an official Kubota Tech program.  There are only nine others in the U.S.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our students as they will receive national certification through a well-recognized program,” said Millie Bordelon, dean of the West Harrison County Center and Special Projects. “Kubota is working closely with us on the curriculum for the training, which will prepare students for outstanding jobs in the industry.”

Kubota is loaning $65,000 in equipment for use in both programs, including a side-by-side vehicle, tractor with front-end loader, and a zero-turn lawnmower.

“Kubota feels that the combination of these three units provides a good cross-section of the design and function of the core Kubota product line, establishing a curriculum foundation that can be built upon for more complex products in the future,” Bordelon said.

The HEMT and MMT programs are existing programs at MGCCC’s West Harrison County Center in Long Beach. The training will enhance the curriculum for both programs and will provide students a direct route to jobs with Kubota and local dealerships.

The Kubota training will begin this fall, following instructor training this summer.  A ribbon-cutting event will also be held this fall at MGCCC’s West Harrison County Campus. Details will be released in the near future.

For more information on either the HEMT or MMT programs and the new certification available, visit mgccc.edu/hemt or mgccc.edu/mmt.