From Dairy Farm to John Deere Certified: WWCC Student Joel Heisey Reaches the Top
Growing up on a dairy farm, Joel Heisey spent countless hours in the cab of a John Deere tractor—cutting hay, baling, plowing, and planting. But it wasn’t just the work in the field that left a lasting impression. When equipment broke down, it sparked a new kind of curiosity.
“I always wanted to get things back up and running as quickly as possible,” Joel recalled. “At first, I just wanted to avoid downtime. But over time, I realized I really enjoyed troubleshooting and maintaining the equipment.”
That interest became a career path when the family’s mechanic introduced Joel to the John Deere Ag Tech Program at Walla Walla Community College. “I was already familiar with John Deere machinery, so it sounded like the perfect training for me,” he said.
At WWCC, Joel immersed himself in the program’s six diagnostic disciplines—hydraulic systems, drivetrain, engine systems, electrical, heating and cooling, and dealer support applications. Each course blended technical theory with hands-on shop experience, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Those lessons paid off when Joel achieved Level 3 John Deere Certification. The certification signifies mastery in systems diagnostics and qualifies the technician to pursue advanced specialization courses.
“The engine systems tests were by far the hardest,” Joel said. “There were six of them, and they required more than just memorizing information—they tested how well you could use a technical manual to find answers. I studied hard and passed just before graduation.”
For Joel, earning the certification was deeply personal. “Colossians 3:23 says, ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.’ That’s how I try to live,” he said. “When I learned it was possible to graduate with Level 3 certification, I made it my goal. I studied hard, prayed, asked questions, and never gave up.”
That perseverance has already paid off—professionally and personally. “Being a certified technician means I can give farmers the service they deserve,” Joel said. “When you bring a machine in for repair, you should get top-tier service. The buck stops here.”
With a foundation built on faith, determination, and the training he received at WWCC, Joel Heisey is ready to keep the wheels of agriculture turning—one John Deere at a time.
