North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, North Dakota, graduated its 2026 class on May 15, including 17 students who completed the Komatsu-supported diesel technician training program. The two-year program is also supported by participating Komatsu dealer partners to develop the next generation of diesel technicians for the heavy equipment industry.
Designed around a blended work-based learning model, the program alternates classroom instruction with dealer-sponsored internship experiences. By graduation, students complete several internships and accumulate thousands of hours of on-the-job training while earning an associate degree.
Komatsu supports the NDSCS program through scholarships, technical content, tools, machines, and training equipment. Primary dealer partners include General Equipment & Supplies, Roland Machinery Co., Road Machinery & Supplies Co., and Columbus Equipment.
Following graduation, all 17 students will transition into full-time diesel technician roles with sponsoring Komatsu dealerships.
The initiative reflects Komatsu values, including teamwork, collaboration, authenticity, perseverance, and accountability, while helping address the ongoing need for skilled technicians in local communities and across the construction and equipment industries.
Komatsu has supported diesel technician training programs like this for nearly two decades, working alongside its dealer network to help develop the next generation of skilled technicians. The program's consistent, hands-on model has been implemented across multiple partner schools, providing a proven pathway into the industry.
This effort demonstrates Komatsu's continued investment in workforce development, alongside broader initiatives and partnerships, including active engagement with programs like SkillsUSA. Komatsu will be launching its next major workforce development platform — "The future you build starts here" — at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, June 1-5 in Atlanta.
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