From teaching drivers, mechanics and commanders the operation and maintenance of Challenger tanks a year ago, Will Foster today is a service technician working for AGCO dealership Chandlers Farm Equipment who also sell Challengers (tracked vehicles of the tractor variety).

 

In the latest episode the Inside Agri-Turf podcast, he talks to Chris Biddle about the transition from life in the services to a future career in agricultural engineering.

 

Will was guided in his new career choice by Jeremy Gibbs, who had worked in a variety of senior roles for John Deere for 10 years but who ten years ago set up Forces Farming, a company that acts a liaison between service personnel leaving the forces and job opportunities in the agricultural sector.

 

Will joined the Army when he was 17 and most recently was a Technical Trainer on tanks and other armoured vehicles based at the British Army’s Centre for Excellence for fighting vehicles at Bovington Camp in Dorset.

 

 

On leaving the Forces at the age of 39 he decided to rekindle his childhood passions for toy soldiers and tractors. He met colleagues who told him that agricultural engineering was ‘cool' and using contacts managed to get some work experience with Ben Burgess. Will told the podcast, “I was immediately bedazzled by the glamour and glitz of the industry!” (Words never normally used to describe ag engineering!)

 

On joining Chandlers, Will says there is really enjoyable banter between the rest of the service team, many of whom had been recent apprentices. He tells of the first outside job he was sent on, telling the farmer that he was new to the industry, but when he revealed his previous career, “You could tell that the farmer immediately felt comfortable and trusting of my ability.”

 

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