Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Program of Study prepares students for careers in agricultural mechanics, equipment operation, repair, and technical systems used in modern agriculture. Students develop hands-on skills in welding, machinery maintenance, electrical systems, construction basics, and precision agriculture technology. The program emphasizes safety, technical proficiency, and real-world problem solving in agricultural and industrial settings.

Students will learn to:

  • Apply safety practices in agricultural and mechanical environments
  • Operate and maintain agricultural equipment and machinery
  • Use tools and technology for repair and fabrication
  • Understand electrical and mechanical systems in agriculture
  • Apply welding, metal fabrication, and construction skills
  • Explore careers in agricultural mechanics and technical trades

If you have questions regarding the Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Program of Study at Navarro Early College High School, please reach out to Tracey Cortez, Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Instructor, at tracey.cortez@austinisd.org.

Course Sequence

The following courses are required to complete the Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Program of Study. Courses are organized by program level and are not required to be taken in sequential order. Below are the program levels, their corresponding courses, and course descriptions.

  • Level 1: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Level 2: Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies
  • Level 3: Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (First Time Taken)
  • Level 4: Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Second Time Taken), Agricultural Structures Design and Fabrication, or Extended Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Second Time Taken)

Course ID: 8300.R000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE

This introductory course provides students with foundational knowledge of the agriculture industry, including animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agricultural systems. Students explore career opportunities while learning basic agricultural principles and safety practices.

Students will learn to:

  • Understand agriculture systems and industry pathways
  • Explore careers in animal science and agriculture
  • Apply basic animal care and handling practices
  • Demonstrate workplace safety procedures
  • Develop leadership and agricultural literacy skills

Course ID: 8343.HT00.Y / 8343.H000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE

Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies introduces students to basic agricultural mechanics, including tool usage, safety procedures, measurement, and introductory metalworking skills. Students gain hands-on experience in shop environments.

Students will learn to:

  • Use hand and power tools safely
  • Apply basic welding and metalworking techniques
  • Understand measurement and fabrication skills
  • Maintain and repair basic agricultural equipment
  • Follow shop and OSHA safety standards

Course ID: 8310.HA00.Y
Credit: 2.0
Prerequisite(s): Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies

Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources provides students with supervised, work-based learning in agricultural mechanics and technical environments. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while building professional skills.

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of prerequisite agriculture coursework
  • Instructor approval
  • Meet district/employer requirements for work-based learning

Students will gain experience in:

  • Repairing and maintaining agricultural equipment
  • Applying welding and fabrication skills in real settings
  • Working with agricultural industry professionals
  • Using tools, machinery, and diagnostic equipment safely
  • Preparing for careers in agricultural technology and mechanical systems

Course ID: 8312.HA00.Y
Credit: 2.0
Prerequisite(s): Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies

This practicum provides students with a continued supervised, work-based learning experience in agricultural mechanics and technical environments. Students apply advanced skills in real-world settings while increasing independence and technical proficiency.

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of prerequisite agriculture coursework
  • Instructor approval
  • Meet district/employer requirements for work-based learning

Students will gain experience in:

  • Applying advanced agricultural mechanics skills in real job settings
  • Performing equipment repair, welding, and fabrication tasks
  • Working under industry supervision
  • Demonstrating workplace professionalism and responsibility
  • Preparing for employment or postsecondary technical training

Course ID: 8345.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE

Students focus on the construction, design, and fabrication of agricultural structures and systems. This includes metal fabrication, woodworking, and equipment repair used in agricultural settings.

Students will learn to:

  • Design and build agricultural structures
  • Apply advanced fabrication and welding techniques
  • Read and interpret technical drawings
  • Repair and maintain agricultural systems and equipment
  • Use industry-standard tools and machinery

Course ID: 8350.N00A.X / 8350.N00B.X / 8350.N00C.X
Credit: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): Equine Science; Small Animal Management; Advanced Animal Science

Extended Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources provides students with an advanced, in-depth work-based learning experience in agricultural mechanics and technical systems. Students take on more complex responsibilities and demonstrate mastery of industry skills in real-world environments.

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of prerequisite agriculture coursework
  • Instructor approval
  • Meet district/employer requirements for work-based learning

Students will gain experience in:

  • Performing advanced equipment diagnostics and repairs
  • Applying welding, fabrication, and mechanical systems skills
  • Managing real-world agricultural projects
  • Demonstrating leadership in workplace environments
  • Preparing for careers, apprenticeships, or technical certification pathways

Note: Extended Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources is a dual credit course offered in partnership with Austin Community College (ACC). Students who successfully meet ACC requirements may earn 9 college credit hours through WLDG 1428, WLDG 1430, and WLDG 1434 while completing their high school coursework.

Industry-Based Certifications

Students who successfully complete this program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that validate their technical skills, industry knowledge, and workplace readiness. These credentials help prepare students for careers in carpentry, construction, and skilled trades while providing a competitive advantage for employment and apprenticeships.

Industry-Based Certifications may include:

  • AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding Certification

Career Opportunities

Students completing this program may pursue careers such as:

  • Agricultural Mechanic
  • Diesel Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Welding Technician
  • Fabrication Specialist
  • Equipment Operator
  • Farm Equipment Service Technician
  • Industrial Maintenance Technician
  • Precision Agriculture Technician
  • Construction Equipment Technician
  • Agricultural Engineer (with additional education)