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Agricultural apprentices scoop annual accolades

Posted onPosted on 19th Nov

The winners of the 2020 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Awards have been announced — with two young agricultural apprentices from Warsop among the four winners.

Frazer Cross and Lewis Woodward, of B&B Tractors, Warsop, together with Liam Wright, of Goole, and Owen Bradley, of Spilsby, will receive a total grant of £500 each.

The youngsters 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 support from Geoffrey Bond, is now in its fourth year and aims to support young people as they develop the skills they need to embark on successful agricultural careers.

This year’s presentation took place remotely but next year’s awards ceremony is expected to return to the Midlands Machinery Show, in Newark.

The NNAS apprenticeship scheme has supported 34 young apprentices from a range of different backgrounds and with a diverse mix of skills.

Simon Eccleston, chief executive of NNAS, said: “Our warmest congratulations go to 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 have helped 34 young apprentices so far is incredibly gratifying as we see the confidence and development the 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 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.”

Frazer said: “I’ve worked in the automotive trade for three years as I love the challenge and satisfaction of repairing something and seeing it go back to work.
“I’ve driven a few tractors in my time and see them all around where we live, so applied for a job at B&B Tractors and then became an agricultural engineer, which has been great. I’d love to become a master technician one day and train a new apprentice.”

Lewis added: “I remember seeing huge tractors with their engines and transmissions being repaired and I decided this was definitely a career I wanted to get into.
“I’ve been at B&B Tractors for over three years and have loved working on all the different machinery and tractors — every day is different!

“I’m in desperate need of a new heavy duty toolbox and an impact gun, which this award will help me get. I want to become a master technician and be a harvest specialist as the technology on the new combines is incredible.”