APPRENTICE AG ENGINEERS AWARDED

Twelve young agricultural engineer apprentices from dealerships around the country, have recently picked up cash awards in recognition of their talent and dedication.

Presented at the recent Midlands Machinery Show, each received a £500 award, paid in £250 instalments over a two-year period, with most looking to spend the money on tools.
 
The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) say they launched the Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards, led by former vice president Geoffrey Bond, in a bid to support young people as they develop their skills within the agricultural engineering sector.
 
NNAS deputy president Pat White, who presented the awards alongside farming YouTuber Olly Harrison, likened agricultural engineers to NHS doctors. “Without them, everything grinds to a halt,” he said. “They are vitally important. We need skilled craftsmen who are not worried about getting their hands dirty. These youngsters will be huge assets for the industry for years to come.”
 
Winners of the award were selected by NNAS and independent engineer Charles Szabo. Successful 2021 applicants, receiving their second £250 instalment were: Isaac Kirk, Ripon Farm Services; Zac Elsden, Chandlers; Kieran Snowden, Chandlers; Oliver Coupland, Ripon Farm Services; Stella Hubbard, Farol; and Luke Hatton, Russells.
 
Successful 2022 applicants receiving their first £250 instalment were: Aaron Barlow, B&B Tractors; Arun Slaney, B&B Tractors; Ryan Lomas, Chandlers; Robert Ward, Farol; Craig Redfern, Sharmans Agricultural; and Evan Roberts, Ripon Farm Services.
 
Promoting apprenticeships through awards like this is vital, explained Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors - who last week walked away with the Service Dealer Awards Leadership prize. “We have 20 apprentices in various stages of training and try to take on a three-year apprentice every year across our four depots. We want to attract people with an interest in engineering,” he added. “They don’t necessarily have to be from a farming background. Having the opportunity to work outside rather than stuck in a factory or car garage could be an attraction.”
 
Young apprentices are the lifeblood of the agriculture, said Charles Szabo. “Food is the number one issue. We need a strong agricultural industry, and we can’t do that without young apprentices.”