Ransomes Jacobsen has introduced a Sales and Dealer Technician Certification and Awards programme. The aim is to recognise and encourage sales staff and technicians in their career development with the technicians' initiative structured around the Land-based Technician Accreditation (LTA) programme.

Hanfried Sievers, Training Manager at the company's Cutting Edge Training department, explained, "Our aim is to recognise personal achievement and development within the Dealer network as it's the individuals within our business, who push themselves to achieve, who are the people that will build and take our business forward. We feel they should be rewarded accordingly and we have introduced an awards element into the programme."

The Awards programme, which recognises participation and merit performance at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, came into effect on 1 January 2014. Every 12 months a selection process will determine who is eligible for the awards. Salesmen and Technicians will be advised of their progress using the Continuing Professional Development programme, launched in 2013, to guide them through the levels. The Gold level awards will be presented at a 'Gold Club' luncheon ceremony, to be held at Ransomes Jacobsen's Ipswich headquarters, hosted by the President of Jacobsen, David Withers each year.

Hanfried Sievers concluded saying, "We believe that these awards will recognise the skills and values acquired by both Sales and Customer Support Staff across the Dealer network and that they will provide added motivation for individuals to become more professional in all areas of the job function. We are looking forward to hosting the first Awards Luncheon early 2015."