Apprenticeship scheme develops Yorkshire’s next generation of agricultural engineers
6th March 2019
How apprenticeship scheme is helping build careers and progress local business
School-leavers in Yorkshire can play an important role in the future of food and farming, whilst earning, learning and developing a successful engineering career, through a dedicated apprenticeship scheme.
AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural equipment, with brands including Massey Ferguson, Valtra and Fendt, has developed an industry recognised apprenticeship scheme which has transformed the lives of budding engineers, as well as supporting a local agricultural machinery dealership.
Wilfred Scruton Ltd
Wilfred Scruton Ltd is a family-run, multi-franchise dealership with two depots, covering a large proportion of Yorkshire, and employing over 50 people.
This workforce includes some 28 service technicians, and of these 15 have completed their apprenticeships with Wilfred Scruton, based either from the Foxholes or Riccall depots.
Since taking up its first AGCO franchise in 2008, covering the Fendt and Valtra brands, Wilfred Scruton Ltd has been closely involved with the AGCO Academy apprentice scheme, seeing eight of those technicians gaining their qualification via this tailored scheme.
“We feel very fortunate to have been able to help talented people develop their potential in a sought-after skill-set,” says Laura Bell, director responsible for aftersales at Wilfred Scruton Ltd. “Over the years, we have seen a lot of school-leavers flourish into top technicians with thanks to the apprenticeship scheme.”
Oliver Vasey, the 25-year-old service manager based at the Foxholes depot agrees, having completed his apprenticeship back in 2014, and since progressing through the ranks to his current position of service manager.
“It is definitely easier when you are learning on the job, and are able to leave the classroom and put your new skills straight into practice in the workplace,” adds Oliver. “I think apprenticeships are more valuable than doing a college course and then starting a job with a qualification and no practical experience.”
“I bought my first house at 19, and had I gone down the university route, there was no way I would have been able to do that. An apprenticeship has been a major part in shaping my life and career to where it is today,” concludes Oliver.
AGCO Ltd
Anthony Linfield, AGCO’s training development manager explains, “The AGCO apprenticeship schemes offer a real opportunity to gain knowledge and skills at college as well as gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.
“Time-served land-based engineers that progress and demonstrate high levels of expertise are a tremendous asset to all of us in the industry.”