Jobs for the girls: young women training to be technicians
26th March 2024
What is inspiring increasing numbers of young women to pursue a career fixing tractors? As part of our series celebrating International Women’s Day, we spoke to female apprentices at two AGCO dealerships to find out what motivated them to train as Agricultural Engineers.
Millie Rose Hancock, Apprentice, Malpas Tractors
When did you first realise you wanted to work with tractors?
I would help my dad in his business repairing cars at weekends. From about the age of ten I was doing small things like checking brake lights. It was at about thirteen years old I got into agriculture. Tractors are just bigger, more exciting than cars.
Saskia Hix, Apprentice, Chandlers
What’s the best bit of the job so far?
Turning the key on an engine you have refitted, and it starts with no fault codes. It’s the best part of the job knowing you took something apart, fixed it and it’s now working really well. When you go out on a job and you see that tractor working, you think ‘I did that’, and it’s a great feeling.
“In my opinion it's a very good career, there definitely should be more women doing it because it’s a great job.” Saskia, Chandlers.
Amber Haines, Apprentice, Malpas Tractors
Is there someone who has supported and inspired you?
My dad has been very, very supportive. Really pushing me to just stick with everything. He sees how passionate I now am about this industry. So, he’s really been pushing me to stick with it and be the best that I can.
Skye Green, Apprentice, Peacock and Binnington
What do people think of the job you chose?
I think most people expected me to become a hairdresser! My mum likes to brag about my job. She’s really proud. She loves to tell everyone what I'm doing because it's not a job that people expect me to have.