Penn State Extension is offering an online course for adults interested in teaching and certifying safe tractor and machinery operation practices to youths working in agriculture.

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program Instructor Training online curriculum provides the education and materials necessary for participants to become certified program instructors, according to Peggy Newel, program coordinator.

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is for 14- and 15-year-olds seeking employment in production agriculture. The U.S. Department of Labor requires youths younger than 16 who wish to work on a nonfamily owned farm to complete the training.

“We offer this training to increase the number of qualified instructors not only in Pennsylvania but across the country,” she says. “The more instructors that we certify, the more opportunities there will be for youth to receive the training and certification they need.”

Course participants will learn how to identify minimum core content areas; effectively organize and communicate safety information to youths; conduct written operating skills and driving tests that youths are required to complete; and understand the Labor Department's agriculture Hazardous Occupation Orders.

You can find more information and enroll online.

Source: Penn State Cooperative Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.