Automotive trade school WyoTech announced it is teaming up with the University of Wyoming (UW) to benefit students at both institutions. This first-of-its-kind partnership with UW will help maintain agricultural equipment for the university’s Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC). The mechanical support not only benefits UW it provides WyoTech students a chance to work with agricultural machinery, WyoTech says.

WyoTech students will have the chance to work on high-end equipment like the New Holland Skid Steer. The steer loader features advanced technology, such as a vertical-lift linkage, an electrical harness and much more, WyoTech adds.

“The university’s [agriculture] department reached out to us for our help, and we recognized immediately the value of this project for our students,” said Mark Muhsman, WyoTech’s Core Program coordinator. “We’re a leader in automotive and diesel maintenance and repair, and they’re looking to keep their equipment going. It’s a win-win.”

Muhsman added that helping UW’s LREC is a great experience for WyoTech students. “I understand the Center has a machine with no running engine. That’s a temporary problem for them and an educational opportunity for WyoTech students who are looking forward to fixing it.”

“We offer Wyotech students what I think is a unique opportunity for trade schools, the opportunity to work on Agriculture equipment,” said Scott Lake, director of LREC and a professor at the University of Wyoming. “Running equipment is an everyday part of agriculture, which means equipment routinely breaks down. This partnership works for everyone. WyoTech has students who are passionate about automotive and mechanic work. The Laramie Research & Extension Center has students who are passionate about agriculture and livestock. It’s a logical fit.”