[Job Story ] Tigercat Historic Montana Dealer Develops Education Program for Future Heavy Equipment Specialists

[Job Story ] Tigercat Historic Montana Dealer Develops Education Program for Future Heavy Equipment Specialists

Montana Tigercat dealer, Torgerson’s roots trace all the way back to 1912 when the family first worked the land and opened an agricultural equipment dealership in Ethridge, Montana. Today, the fourth generation of the Torgerson family continues to expand the business – both the geographic footprint, and the product line breadth, with offerings that span the agriculture, construction and forestry sectors.

The first Torgerson’s agricultural equipment dealership located in Ethridge, Montana, circa 1920

In early 2022 Torgerson’s acquired Titan Machinery’s Montana branches, including the experienced forestry equipment sales and products support staff working out of Missoula. To maintain a strong foundation underpinning this trend of growth and expansion, Torgerson’s has developed a strong career development program to nurture the next generation of heavy equipment specialists.

Torgerson’s offers four development streams:
  •  A four-year scholarship for a Bachelor of Science degree (tuition and books included) with a commitment to work with Torgerson’s during the summers to learn and apply technical skills, along with a four-year commitment post-graduation.
  • A two-year scholarship for an Associate of Science and associate degree (tuition and books included) with a commitment to work during summers and a two-year commitment post graduation.
  •  A nine-month scholarship for a degree program with the opportunity to return for continuing education for an associate degree (tuition and books included) with a commitment post-graduation.
  • An apprenticeship program for individuals preferring a hands-on learning environment. The focus is to develop highly competent service technicians using peer mentoring, online training, and application of learning through work experience at a participating Torgerson’s location.
There are many career opportunities for graduates of the apprenticeship program moving forward, including accounting, business administration, human resources, office management, service technicians, precision farming technicians, machine control specialists, parts specialists, and sales consultants.Torgerson’s representatives also take the time to visit local daycares and primary schools, and deliver pumpkins to first graders during Future Farmers of America week. High school students are given the opportunity to earn credits through work experience at Torgerson’s. Combining academic classes and hands-on learning provides students with real industry experience and context for career-related decision making.
Brion Torgerson, CEO of Torgerson’s LLC.