NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY TALENT AWARDED

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) have announced the most recent recipients of their AEA Scholarship.

David Goodchild and Thomas Edwards, both BEng / BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering students in their second year at Harper Adams University, were selected by a panel of industry representatives and experts. They will now both have an opportunity to connect with key industry partners, and to work with them to promote careers in the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors. They will also work closely with the AEA to boost awareness of the opportunities and educational routes within the sectors. 

Aiming to promote and support the industry through finding and attracting new talent, the AEA say they will collaborate with David and Thomas to develop social media content that inspires others to consider a career in agricultural engineering. This will focus on not only their time at university, but also during their upcoming placement years within industry. 

On receiving the news of his win, David said, "This has given me an incredible boost and redeemed my confidence in myself as an individual. It has inspired me to continue with commitment and dedication to both my studies and working in the agricultural engineering sector. I am looking forward to forming a close relationship with the AEA as an ambassador and student representative of the association. I have already put the funds to good use, purchasing additional tools that will aid my studies."

Thomas added, "Thank you very much for awarding me your prestigious AEA Scholarship! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the AEA over the coming months. The Scholarship funding is already helping me to fund several projects that will enhance my career in Agricultural Engineering."

AEA CEO Ruth Bailey, said, “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. 

"Both David and Thomas will be perfect Ambassadors for our sector, relaying a great message about how exciting a space this industry can be for anyone of any age or background to join.”

Later this year, the AEA in collaboration with the Land-based Engineering Training & Education Committee (LE-TEC), will be launching a new website to drive awareness of both careers and educational routes within land-based engineering.