Youngsters starting their careers in agricultural engineering will be receive a £500 apprenticeship award at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.
The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). It provides a £500 bursary, in two instalments, to held apprentices aged 17-25 with their career development.
To qualify, applicants must be working for an agricultural engineering business, studying at an academic institution, and employed by a company exhibiting at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.
‘Massively helpful’
William Vines from Chandlers Farm Equipment in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, was presented with his award in 2024. He said: “I applied for the award because I felt like it was a really good way to bring in new apprentices to the industry.
“The £500 is massively helpful. It’s expensive to buy tools nowadays, tools that you do need in order to do your job better and more efficiently. It’s definitely worthwhile getting involved and applying for the award.”
NNAS chief executives chief executive Simon Eccleston said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing initiative which shines a spotlight on young engineers starting their careers.”
“Apprentices are vital to the future of agricultural engineering,” said Mr Eccleston.
He added: “They bring energy, fresh thinking and new skills into businesses at a time when machinery performance, efficiency and productivity has never been more important to businesses. This award not only gives them recognition, but also provides practical financial support to help them invest in tools, training or resources that will set them up.”
Now in its eleventh year, the Midlands Machinery Show brings together a range of exhibitors and features everything from the latest tractors and machinery to agri-tech innovations, business services and live demonstrations.