Midlands Agricultural Engineering
Apprenticeship Awards
Midlands Agricultural Engineering
Apprenticeship Awards
Midlands Agricultural
Engineering
Apprenticeship Awards
2020 Winners
Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society supports apprenticeships for young agricultural engineers aged 17 – 25, with a bursary of £500 to assist them financially with their careers.
The award is given in installments of £250 over two years and presented at the Midlands Machinery Show each year in November. To be eligible, students must be currently working with an agricultural engineering company and attending day release at an academic institution.
Priority is given to apprentices currently working or studying in the Midlands.
FRAZER CROSS and LEWIS WOODWARD
B & B Tractors, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
FRAZER CROSS
B & B Tractors, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Frazer Performing Diagnostics
After completing my GCSEs and my first year of A-Levels in June 2017 I decided to go into the automotive trade. I got a job at Lockwell Hill Karting as a kart mechanic and technician. I really enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction repairing something and seeing it go back to work, this showed me that mechanical engineering was the type of work that I wanted to progress into.
Looking at the options available the one that stood out to me the most was agricultural machinery as I had driven a few tractors and saw them all around where we live. From the nearest dealers I decided to apply for a job at B&B Tractors. I was invited for an interview and once the option of apprenticeship was explained and I had a look around the workshop I knew I wanted to be an agricultural engineer.
Frazer Receiving His Award
Being considered and receiving this award will be significant step in my career as it is something else to be proud of … I will use the award money to add to my tool collection probably in the form of a Milwaukee impact gun that I haven’t managed to save enough to buy it yet.
I hope to continue manufacturer training to cover the full range of AGCO equipment particularly the higher horsepower tractors as well as large equipment like combines and sprayers.
I would like to gain experience and become a master technician and carry out the diagnosis and repairs of the most complex issues. It would also be good to have an apprentice work with me at some stage so I can help train them.
LEWIS WOODWARD
B & B Tractors, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Lewis Repairing a Tractor
Before completing my GCSE’s, I had already decided I wanted to do an apprenticeship to become a mechanic. Looking at my local options, I contacted B&B Tractors before they were looking for any apprentices in early in December and was given the opportunity to look around the service department which was very interesting. On our tour I remember seeing seemingly huge tractors with their engines and transmissions being repaired and I decided this was definitely a career I wanted to get into.
I had to complete my GCSE’s first though and was advised to try and get the best grades I could as this would help my enrolment onto the apprenticeship, which gave me plenty of motivation! I was invited for a formal interview in July and with my results was offered a place on an apprenticeship. I’ve been working at B&B tractors for a little over 3 years and I am nearing the end of my apprenticeship.
Lewis Receiving His Award
Having the opportunity to win this award … will make my family very proud and allow me to thank them for their support. I would probably use the award money to buy a bigger toolbox as my current one is overflowing, and I need a heavy duty one to stand up to being fixed in a van.
This award will help me to progress my career as it will allow me to purchase tools to help me do my job. Also the award certificate will help build up my CV. I am going to spend the money from the award on some new tools, possibly a impact gun as this is something that I require at the moment.
I have really enjoyed the start of my career in Agricultural Engineering and have loved working on all the different machinery and tractors, every day is different.
LIAM WRIGHT
Canal & River Trust, Great Heck, Goole
Liam Maintaining An Excavator Engine
When I was 19 years old I joined the Yorkshire Ambulance Service as a 999 call handler, progressing to an ambulance dispatcher and my final role as a Medical Technician. After nearly 11 years of service, at the age of 30, I decided a career change was essential to preserve my well-being and to improve my work-life balance. I have two young children and a wife at home so making a career change this late in the day was no easy feat.
The most surprising thing that happened to me in my career so far was being chosen for this award by Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.
Liam Receiving His Award
The benefit from this award would not only benefit me but my young family. When starting my apprenticeship, I had only but a few basic tools of my own such as a Halfords socket set. I have since invested in some quality tools, but with quality comes the expense. It can feel somewhat selfish saying “No” to my young son when he wants to do family fun things such a day trips to the coast or theme parks. Yet on the other hand I am spending about £100 for a spanner.
This award will help buy some more quality tools to help me perform.
OWEN BRADLEY
Chandlers, Spilsby, Lincolnshire
Owen Fixing A Problem
When I left school at 16 I started a full-time level 3 course in Agriculture, alongside this I worked on a 2,000 acre arable farm. However, after a year of doing this I realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do.
Now I am currently a second-year student studying level 3 land-based engineering at Riseholme college. Alongside Riseholme college I work at Chandlers FE Spilsby, and have done for over 2 years. I started my apprenticeship on the 11th January 2019 and haven’t look back.
Since being an apprentice through Riseholme college the amount of skills and knowledge I have gained is vast, not only in the industry but also life skills.
Owen Receiving His Award
Since being an apprentice agricultural engineer, I have learnt the most important thing to us is tools, and we all know in order to buy good quality long lasting tools comes great expense.
Good quality tools are essential in this sector as they are getting used day in day out, and in order to go out and do a job to the best of your ability a variety of tooling is crucial.
I am hugely grateful in receiving this grant, as it will benefit the development of my career an endless amount.
TERRY KIRK
Robert H Crawford & Son, Boston, Lincolnshire
Terry Carrying Out Diagnostics
I have been working at Robert H Crawford & Son for about four years now. It’s such a good place to work. I get along with all the staff, and worked myself quite hard from the start.
I now have my own van and work by myself. I even got to go to Italy for training on machines!
Terry Receiving His Award
My most proud moments are when jobs get done correctly, having an electrical fault with a machine and being able to find and rectify the fault.
This award will help me with some sort of tools, more spanners, maybe some specialist equipment like torque wrenches and … tools to use on a day to day basis.
JACK HOBBS
Chandlers, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Jack Repairing a Tractor
I started at Chandlers part time when I was 16 on two days a week, while I was on a full time college course the other three days. After spending a few months there and enjoying learning on the job and progressing, chandlers offered me an apprenticeship which I grabbed with both hands and I started back at Riseholme one day a week at college and the rest at work.
Over the past 4 years I have been working there I have grown not only as a mechanic but also as a person.
Jack Receiving His Award
The opportunities I have had working at a main dealership have been second to none not only hands on learning from my peers but also from the manufacturer.
This award will be a remarkable help to further my career, as it will allow me to purchase much needed tools that will help me become more effective as a worker.
I would also just like to say a huge thank you for this award it is immensely helpful as I’m sure your aware starting out and buying tools in order to work in the agricultural industry is a huge investment, and this will help me to progress further.
BEN BAILEY
Baileys Trailers, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Ben In The Workshop
I am a second year apprentice, studying ‘Service Engineering’ at Riseholme College. I have always had an interest in agriculture, in particular ‘machinery’ and always hoped for a career in land-based engineering.
I am fortunate and work for my grandfather, owner of Baileys Trailers in Sleaford, Lincolnshire.
Ben Receiving His Award
As an apprentice with Baileys Trailers I am learning a range of skills including welding, fitting, operating CNC machinery, repairs and on-farm product support.
I am putting this grant money towards specialist tools, which will help me throughout my career.
OWEN ROBINSON
Cooks Midlands Ltd., Stanton under Bardon, Markfield
Owen Repairing A Tractor
I first started as an apprentice from school around two ago. I have always wanted to learn on the job, as opposed to studying full time. I feel I have learnt a lot. I have a lot of colleges who support me as well which helps very much. I am most proud of being able to apply knowledge gathered from college/engineers to solve a problem, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
In future, I hope to achieve my goal of becoming an agricultural engineer as well as ultimately becoming a service manager or any type on manager. I would like to become a valued asset to the company and to be able to pass on my knowledge to future apprentices/trainees.
Owen Receiving His Award
This award will make such a difference not only in recognition but will moral boost as it helps me see my potential and stay hungry for improvement any way I can. I will use this award as motivation and a base to grow from to keep achieving and striving for constant improvement.
This is what my company had to say:
“Owens award is a true verification of why we chose to take on apprentices. It is an excellent achievement for Owen and for Cooks Midlands Ltd. and backs up the impression that we already have for Owen, to become a great engineer in the future.“
ROBBIE SLINGSBY
Peacock & Binnington, Louth, Lincolnshire
I have have always been interested in agriculture and have worked at Peacock & Binnington for almost two years. My career is slowly progressing gaining knowledge in many aspects of the business. I eventually hope to be fully qualified and suggessful and have a bigger part in the business. I try and help as much as possible.
This grant is important to me and will help me extend my tool collection and help with doing more jobs in future. Winning this award is one of the most suprising things that has ever happened to me.
AWARD WINNERS 2020
The lucky winners this year were chosen by a panel of Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) judges in recognition of the valuable contribution they’re making across the agricultural industry.
The award, funded by NNAS with generous support from former Society President Geoffrey Bond OBE DL, is now in its fourth year, and aims to help young people as they develop the skills they need to embark on successful agricultural careers. Understandably, this year’s presentation was done remotely, but next year’s award ceremony will be back to its original place at the Midlands Machinery Show between 9-10 November 2021.
The NNAS apprenticeship scheme has now supported 34 young apprentices from a range of different backgrounds and with a diverse mix of skills. Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive for Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, said:
“Our warmest congratulations go to the winner this year, Liam, Owen, Frazer and Lewis. We hope the award gives them a fantastic career boost and supports the development of new skills as they head into their future careers. Young and talented agricultural apprentices need inspirational new opportunities, particularly when 2020 has been such a challenging year for so many.
Investing in youth and supporting the next wave of agricultural engineering talent is a key part of our ongoing Education Programme. To know we have helped 34 young apprentices so far is incredibly gratifying, as we see the confidence and development our support can bring. We look forward to seeing the four young apprentices progress into their careers, which we hope are long and successful!”
Geoffrey Bond OBE, DL added:
“I’m delighted these four young people are doing so well in their apprenticeships. The combination of studying in a working environment is an advantageous way of learning new skills, so I hope this award is a fitting recognition for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.”
The award is given in installments of £250 over two years and presented at the Midlands Machinery Show each year in November, with last year’s winners, Owen Robinson, Jack Hobbs, Robbie Slingsby, Ben Bailey and Terry Kirk now receiving their second part of their award.
Apply For An Apprenticeship Award
Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society supports apprenticeships for young engineers aged 17 – 25, with a bursary of £500 to assist them financially with their careers.
The award is given in installments of £250 over two years and presented at the Midlands Machinery Show each year in November. To be eligible, students must be currently working with an agricultural engineering company and attending day release at an academic institution.
Priority is given to apprentices currently working or studying in the Midlands.
Visit our Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award Application page to apply.
Our apprenticeship initiative has received enthusiastic support from stakeholders such as Riseholme College in Lincoln, the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Agri Machinery News and the Midlands Machinery Show.
Our supporting organisations recognise the ever increasing technical nature in agricultural engineering and the need to raise awareness about the rewarding career opportunities available in the farming industry.
Could You Sponsor A Young Person?
Our charity has limited funds and we could help many more young people at the start of their careers if we had more funds available.
SPONSORSHIP – We have opportunities for individuals, small businesses or larger companies and organisations to sponsor both our Education and Development Grants and our Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards.
Your support could pay for a young person to pay for training or buy much needed tools, clothing and equipment.
DONATIONS – We are always grateful for any donations no matter how small. Every little helps us to provide much needed financial support for our young people.
Please contact our Education Officer in the first instance.
CHALK TO FORK
A Community Education Programme for young and old, part of the charitable work of
Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society - founded 1799
Registered Charity No: 514080
