RDO Equipment Co. has partnered with Montana State University (MSU) to deliver a four-week, immersive training course that gives engineering students real-world experience with cutting-edge construction technology. The collaboration focuses on exposing students to Topcon and John Deere machine control systems, allowing them to engage directly with job site tools and workflows used by today’s contractors.

“Universities sometimes focus just on theory, but MSU aims to provide authentic exposure to job site experiences whenever possible,” said Bret Martin, an associate professor in MSU’s civil engineering department. “This four-week course with RDO provides practical skills students will use on a daily basis besides raising their awareness of tech solutions, so they’ll be better decision-makers in their future roles.”

The initiative began when Jake Michels, RDO’s technology solutions manager and MSU alum, reconnected with Martin—continuing a years-long collaboration to expose senior engineering students to the latest advancements in construction tech. The two developed a specialized course module that would go beyond the classroom and integrate surveying and grading tools into students' learning environments.

MSU and RDO are both part of Montana’s Headwaters Tech Hub, a coalition of educational institutions, private businesses, and government leaders working together to foster innovation. The course grew out of this ecosystem, creating a natural fit between RDO’s technology expertise and MSU’s commitment to practical learning.

Learning on Live Job Sites

“Topcon made a significant equipment donation to be used during this and future semesters,” Michels explained. “Once we knew we would be able to deliver surveying equipment, we then went to customers like Williams Civil and several others to request job site visits.”

With support from RDO team members, students participated in machine control and surveying training directly at active job sites, including a quarry site operated by Williams Civil near Bozeman.

“In the second week, we partnered with Williams Civil in Bozeman to simulate a job site setup,” said Rob Andrew, a construction technology specialist at RDO. “Students learned how to set up a base station, localize the project, and stake out lines and points—tasks they’ll likely perform as field engineers.”

Students then worked hands-on with John Deere machines equipped with SmartGrade technology. With help from Michels and Andrew, they learned how to transfer GPS data from Topcon systems to machines and actively grade terrain using precision controls.

Martin tested students at several stages of the project, having them localize and upload project files into the control systems, which were then used to operate the 3D SmartGrade features.

“At almost every job site, many students asked if they could stay later and RDO team members like Andrew and Michels were often obliged to stay until the sun went down,” Martin noted. “These students were energized from these job site trainings, saying it was the best class they’ve taken.”

Expanding the Program

Buoyed by the success of the initial module, Michels and Martin are now exploring the development of a two-credit standalone course in future semesters. This expanded offering would allow students to go deeper into the technical aspects of machine control and potentially pursue industry certifications.

The course not only introduces students to real-world technologies, but also builds a pipeline of future professionals equipped to enter construction and engineering fields with practical, job-ready skills. By partnering with industry and bringing technology into the field, MSU and RDO are helping ensure Montana’s next generation of engineers are both tech-savvy and workforce-ready.

Originally reported by Construction Equipment.