The Land-based Engineering Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC Ltd) have announced the winners of their Technicians For 2022 competition.
Designed to find and celebrate the UK’s best Technicians in the Land-based Engineering sector, entrants submitted a short video explaining a little bit about themselves: who they were, how long they have been a Land-based Technician and why they enjoy their day-to-day job.
James Hood of Manitou UK came in first place
The judges’ top three videos consisted of:
- 1st Place, James Hood of Manitou UK - wins Karcher Pressure Washer and Multi-day Air Conditioning Training Courses with AP Air Ltd Training for two
- 2nd Place, Brad Smith of B&B Tractors - wins Makita UK Radio and BAGMA Handover and Installation Training for two, to be held at Merlo UK
- 3rd Place, Craig Farmer of Bryson Tractors - wins Sealey Tool Kit provided by Kubota UK
LE-TEC say all three videos display incredible passion for their work and just how rewarding a career in Land-based Engineering can be.
As an industry collaboration, the LE-TEC Ltd judging panel consisted of representatives from IAgrE, BAGMA and the AEA alongside industry independents. Aiming to highlight the skills and passion for the sector, the judges say they were extremely impressed by the quality of entries received and after much deliberation they shortlisted their top three.
Brad Smith of B&B Tractors came in second place
Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, explained the initiative behind the competition. “Recruitment, as within many industries, has been difficult for several years, and our industry is an absolute gem but one that is little-known outside of industry. We were looking for someone who conveyed the magic of our sector and someone who embodied the message that we want to get across to those outside of our circles. These technicians really show what it means to them. We’ve found some fantastic champions for our industry over the last three years of this competition, and now can include three more. We cannot wait to work with them further.”
Craig Farmer of Bryson Tractors came in third place
Keith Christian, Director of BAGMA, said, “Technicians provide the underlying fabric within the UK dealer network for agricultural, groundcare and garden machinery. The unique aspects and importance of the dealer network is their ability to provide service and support for the equipment they sell through their technicians who will mostly be highly qualified through their apprenticeship training and product training.
"Technicians of all ages and ability provide the back bone of the landbased engineering industry with nearly 50% of dealer staff being involved in the technical side of the business and they should be recognised through award schemes at all levels.”
Charles Nicklin, CEO of IAgrE, remarked on James’ winning video, “A great example of how with passion and the right attitude, this industry can take you far”.
All three winners also receive 18 months membership with IAgrE.
James started in the industry as an apprentice in 2003 at Robert Davies machinery in Shropshire and progressed on to Manitou UK in 2018. On receiving the news of his award, James said, “Winning the LE-TEC competition has highlighted how much I would like to give back to the industry and promote agricultural engineering to the younger generation because the industry is in need of a big injection of youth talent right now.”
Brad commented “It feels great to win this award because it shows that the hard work and good work ethic can really get you places in this agricultural industry”.
This competition will return again in December 2022.
