AEA INVEST IN YOUNG TALENT

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), has announced the winner of their first ever AEA Scholarship.

The prize has been awarded to Sean Whiteway who is in the final year of a BEng/MEng Agricultural Engineering course at Harper Adams University. Sean will now complete his degree studies and will graduate as normal this summer, but with the AEA supporting him with a financial contribution in return for working alongside themselves as an ambassador for the industry. The Association are describing his role as being 'a young voice' and 'a champion' for the sector. 

The AEA says they will collaborate with Sean to develop video and social media content that inspires others to consider a career in agricultural engineering.

The aim of the scholarship, according to the AEA, is to promote and support the industry through finding and attracting new talent. The award will give Sean a great opportunity to connect with key industry partners and to work with them to promote careers in the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors, says the Association. They explained to Service Dealer this week, that they decided to choose final year students to offer a scholarship to initially, so they can then follow their journey into the work environment and their career.

“I am really looking forward to working with the AEA," said Sean. "I am truly excited to be involved with the positive promotion of our industry which will be interesting if not challenging.

"Connectivity within the farming community is rising. There is still somewhat of a barrier to attracting those without an agricultural background into our industry, but by using social media and video content we can portray the industry in a greater light to the next generation, whilst showing off the amazing opportunities available within the agricultural engineering sector.”

Sean said of his award that is goes to show, " . .you do not have to be from an agricultural background or a farm to succeed in the industry.”

AEA CEO Ruth Bailey, added, “One of the biggest issues the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors face today is the accessibility of skills and attracting the next generation. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for an agricultural engineering student of any background to help promote and support the industry as it looks to find new talent and attract others who may wish to look to agricultural engineering as a profession.

"Sean’s enthusiasm and passion was obvious to all the judges in abundance, at both application and interview stage. Sean will be a perfect Ambassador for our sector, relaying a clear message about how exciting a space this industry can be for anyone of any age or background to join. Sean, like many of a younger generation shining though, embraces technology and can see the impact it can bring in terms of playing its role in an efficient, sustainable agriculture and environment.”

Later this year, the AEA will be launching further scholarships for 2021/22, aimed at second year students studying Agricultural Engineering and Automotive Engineering (Off-Highway) degree courses.

Gareth Ford, digital media & marketing specialist at the AEA told Service Dealer of these two further awards "Again, this will be a financial contribution to help with their studies or funding living costs to allow them to focus on studies in return for a relationship with the AEA.

"It fits with the goal of the AEA to support the next generation and championing our industry as a great place to work."