The Nebraska Ag Expo will welcome middle school, high school, and college students to its sixth annual Career Exploration Event, held December 8-10, 2026, at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln. The event gives students a firsthand look at rewarding careers in agriculture and the equipment dealer industry.
Today’s equipment dealerships offer far more than jobs in the shop. Students can explore career paths in service, parts, sales, precision technology, management, accounting, marketing, human resources, and other areas—often with competitive wages, strong benefits, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training.
“Agriculture’s future depends on helping young people see the opportunities available to them,” said Mark Hennessey, president/CEO of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA), owner and manager of the Nebraska Ag Expo. “This event allows students to meet the people doing the work, experience the technology firsthand, and picture themselves building a successful career in the industry.”
During structured tours of the Expo floor, students will connect with dealership employees from their own communities, visit major manufacturer displays, and see the newest advancements in agricultural equipment and technology. Those local connections help students understand what career opportunities look like close to home.
Students will also learn about Nebraska’s high-value two-year technical programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and how to access up to $3,000 toward their training. The goal is to give students and educators clear, practical next steps for turning an interest in agriculture or technology into a career.
The need is significant. Nebraska equipment dealers currently face an estimated 350-400 open positions, and that number is projected to more than double within five years because of industry growth and retirements.
INEDA continues to address that workforce challenge through the Career Exploration Event, the Andrew Goodman Scholarship Program, and partnerships among students, schools, technical colleges, and equipment dealerships.
During the 2026-2027 academic year, INEDA awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 85 students across Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, and Wyoming who are preparing for careers with member dealerships in Iowa and Nebraska.
Know a student or school that may be interested? Contact Phil Erdman at phile@ineda.com or 402.429.5726. INEDA can connect students with dealers in their area and help them take the next step.