Considered High-Priority Occupation by the Department of Labor and Industry

This Pennsylvania Department of Education approved Career and Technical Education program prepares students in a general way to sell, select and service agriculture or agribusiness technical equipment and facilities.  Modern equipment uses electronics and hydraulics, making it difficult to perform repairs without specialized training. Students also need to be able to read circuit diagrams and blueprints in order to make complex repairs to electrical systems. Students gain experience in hand and tool safety, welding (stick, mig, tig and gas), plasma cutting, large & small gas and diesel engine maintenance and repair and basic carpentry and building systems.

This program utilizes the CASE curriculum. CASE stands for Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education. There are two courses that are taught in a two year rotation - Agricultural Power and Technology (APT) and Agricultural Equipment Maintenance and Technology. CASE curriculum is designed to be hands-on, inquiry based learning.

• APT Units of study

  • Introduction to APT

  • Safety and Measurement

  • Material Properties

  • Fabrication

  • Energy

  • Machines and Structures

  • Mechanical Applications

• AEMT Units of study

  • Agricultural Equipment

  • Drive Systems

  • Precision Agriculture

  • Electrical and Digital

  • Diesel Systems

  • Hydraulics

  • Partnering in the Field

In addition to the CASE curriculum, this course will train students in the following mechanical areas:

• Welding and Cutting Metal

  • Welding skills - Stick, MIG, TIG

  • Oxy-acetylene torch cutting and welding

• Small Gas Engines

• Electricity

• Plumbing

• Structures

  • Framing

  • Roofing

  • Land site development

Industry Certifications

• PA Skills Certificate

• National Safe Tractor & Machinery Operator

• Briggs and Stratton Small Engine Certificate

• OSHA - Career Safe General Industry (Agriculture) 

National Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Pennsylvania coordinates eight student organizations that provide career awareness, leadership, motivation, and recognition for career related skills. The career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are an extension of the classroom instructional program by integrating academics and career and technical skills into real work experiences.

Students in the Plant Science Technology and Mechanical Systems Technology and Animal CTP programs are to join FFA.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America and is an organization just for students who want to be production farmers, teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. The National and Octorara FFA Organizations are committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. All students who are enrolled in the Octorara Area Career & Technical Animal and Plant Science Technology Program and Agriculture Mechanics Program become members of FFA due to the affiliate membership.

Octorara FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, FFA is still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

FFA Agriculture Mechanics Link

Approved Task Grid for Mechanical Systems Technology

Students who complete the requirement of this "Program of Study" and score proficient may be eligible to get free college credits through the statewide SOAR program.