Agricultural Society continues tradition of supporting engineering apprentices

Agricultural Society continues tradition of supporting engineering apprentices

The latest young technicians to be supported by the Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards were recognised at the Midlands Machinery Show this week.

The winners receive a total of £500 paid in two instalments of £250 over two years.

A total of 12 apprentices collected their awards from the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) at a special ceremony on Thursday.

Agricultural engineering apprentices aged 17 to 25 are supported with the bursary to assist with their career development.

NNAS President Bob Sheldon said: “Investing in the next generation of agricultural engineers is crucial in today’s rapidly-changing landscape.

“These young apprentices represent the future of farming and the awards create valuable opportunities for them to further their expertise and industry knowledge.”

Apprentices from dealers Chandlers, Farol, B&B Tractors, Russells and Sharmans were selected for bursaries this year.

Tom Smith from AgCo dealer B&B Tractors in Barnsley said: “I’m into the third year of my apprenticeship now and I’m learning loads. I want to keep learning and working my way up the ladder.

“It’s nice to be recognised for this award.”

Harry Bassett from John Deere dealer Farol in Ashbourne said: “Winning this means a lot to me because I’ll be able to buy some special tools to improve what I do and also get some recognition within the dealership and industry.

“I want to progress and my goal is to become a master technician.”

Joining Tom and Harry at the ceremony were Chandlers apprentices Robert Marlow, William Vines, Joshua Whotton and Nathan Wells.

B&B Tractors had three further apprentices at the ceremony; Henry Bowman, Joe Slater and Joe Sweetmore. Cameron Sirrell and Max Lumsden from Russells also collected their bursaries, as well as Lewis Collins from Sharmans Agricultural.

The awards, which were introduced by Geoffrey Bond in his presidency with the support of the NNAS, are organised in support of the society’s charitable objectives, to promote, celebrate and champion primary agriculture and related industries.

Eligible apprentices must be currently working with an agricultural engineering company and attending an academic institution.