TECHNICIANS OR TINKERERS?
Perceptions still persist
by Chris Biddle Consultant Editor
 

Does this ring true?

“It is not always recognised that agricultural engineering is equal to other engineering disciplines. Too frequently, agricultural engineering is looked upon, not as a profession, but rather as a trade not far removed from old-time tinkering”

The words come from the Editor of Farm Implement and Machinery Review in the Royal Show issue of July 1966.

The magazine (published from offices in the Strand, London, phone CENtral 6565 and costing 2s 6d), runs to 147 pages and contains 121 adverts from farm machinery manufacturers and suppliers. Of those, less than a dozen are around today.

Our industry has changed out of all recognition over the past 50 years or so. We rightly point to all the sophisticated gadgetry that adorns todays machinery. Technology that simply did not exist in 1966.

But have perceptions changed? That’s the real question.

I was talking to the MD of a major dealer group the other day. The company has a motor franchise as well as ag and turfcare. Was it easier to recruit technicians for the service department of the car dealership? No question, he said, they know what they going into. Those who do not come from a farming background feel uncomfortable and unsure about committing their future to ag -they feel like outsiders in unknown territory.

So how do we ensure a sufficient flow of recruits into our industry in the future? That was the nub of the challenge outlined by David Kirschner addressing the audience at the opening of the highly impressive CLAAS Academy this week.

In a worrying reprise of that Editorial from 50 years ago, David said “Our industry can make and market products with the ultimate professionalism, but fails to sell careers that have more USPs and benefits than competitive engineering sectors”.

Nonetheless, it has much to be proud of and progress is being made.

In recent months, LE-TEC (Landbased Engineering Training and Education Group) group comprising AEA, BAGMA and IAgrE has agreed detailed standards for new industry Apprenticeships. So well worked out were they, that the Plant and Construction sector have ‘piggybacked’ onto the final scheme providing a beneficial link between two different but complementary industry sectors.

“At this point, we are ahead of the game when it comes to apprenticeships and training. We are world class” said David “Now all we have to do is achieve the same recognition from potential recruits”

And that means inevitably, punching above our weight. One sobering statistic is that the landbased engineering sector employs around 27,500 people, half of whom work in customer support.  Jaguar Land-Rover alone employs 37,000 people in the UK
.

Having done much of the spade work, LE-TEC supported by manufacturers, dealers, colleges and others needs to push its head above the parapet in order to be heard alongside all the other competing engineering sectors such as automotive, marine, aerospace, mining, railways, the armed forces et al.

The real danger is that without a concentrated push, without promotional initiatives, we will be left behind and in danger of only being able to choose from the under-achievers in the educational system.

Our industry is slowly starting to be heard more regularly in the corridors of power. Through LE-TEC it is developing teeth as witnessed by a recent Government reversal of a previous decision on apprenticeships.  A new recruitment brochure featuring achievers from within our industry is scheduled for publication in the New Year.

In the meantime, it behoves everyone in the ag, turfcare and related industries to grab every opportunity to promote their industry, their business, their people, the opportunities – and the ‘can-do’ spirit that has always been part of our DNA.

Last word to David Kirschner “We must never lose sight of the wonder and diversity of our industry, manifestly demonstrated through its people, but it is time to think outside the box”


Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs is away at a press conference today

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In this issue
EDITOR'S BLOG
TECHNICIANS OR TINKERERS?
FINAL CHANCE TO ENTER DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
NEWS
CLAAS ACADEMY OPENING
HUSQVARNA AUCTION FIRST PINK AUTOMOWER
HERTFORDSHIRE GM BUYS BEDWELL GM
SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE & AWARDS TO SUPPORT MAGGIE'S
ARGO SECURE LANDINI PRODUCTION AGREEMENT
ETESIA COMPLETE REGIONAL DEALER EVENTS
SPALDINGS APPOINTED HONDA INDUSTRIAL DEALER
NEW DEALER APPOINTMENT FOR STRAUTMANN
WOODS OPEN NEW EURO PARTS DISTRIBUTION HUB
BRODERICKS SUPPLY NEW COURSE
JOBS
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Sponsored Product Announcements
HUSQVARNA BLOWERS PROVIDE PERFECT OPTION
TOP QUALITY AIR LIFTS
LAWN-KING TRENCHEX APPOINTED BY ALPINA
SALTEX 2017 ‘YOUR INDUSTRY YOUR SHOW’
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