A REPORT RECENTLY compiled at Writtle College claims that 2500 skilled service engineers are set to leave agricultural and turf-care dealers within the next year.

If these figures are to be believed it makes for worrying times, especially if your business depends on reliable machines – as most farm enterprises do. Nearly all equipment requires some sort of dealer back up and service technicians are often relied on to keep operations on track.

We take a look at the types of incentives manufacturers are offering in a bid to entice young people into a career as agricultural fitters, mechanics or technicians, depending on your definition.

JOHN DEERE

John Deere claims to have been the first manufacturer to introduce a recruitment programme in 1992. The course was designed as a three year programme – with an optional fourth year – at Brooksby Melton College, Melton Mowbray, Leicester.

The curriculum leads to City & Guilds NVQ level two and three. Applicants to the course need to be employed by a John Deere dealer where time will be spent between the workshop, Brooksby Melton College and Deere”s UK headquarters at Langar, Notts.

On achieving City & Guilds NVQ level 3, Land-based Service Enginering – Agricultural and the John Deere Ag Tech Diploma, the manufacturer registers the apprentice with the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

The Deere course doesn”t have specific entry requirements, but it is recommended that applicants should have maths and English at GCSE grade C or above.

CLAAS

Claas runs a four year programme in conjunction with Writtle College in Essex, recruiting approximately 12 students each year.

Applicants are put forward for the scheme by the Claas dealer that they work for. If not already employed, Claas tries to link applicants and an appropriate local outlet.

As well as working at the dealership that employs the student, time will be spent abroad as part of the course – namely two weeks at Claas headquarters in Germany as part of the third year curriculum – and a further three months work experience in Australia and New Zealand in the final year.

MASSEY FERGUSON

Massey Ferguson has developed a course in conjunction with Warwickshire College. Started in 1999, the Massey Ferguson dealer apprenticeship programme offers a two or a three year course.

Following initial assessment candidates are entered into the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) scheme or the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) scheme.

Depending on results, candidates will have the option to progress from the FMA after year two on to the AMA for the third year.

The course is in line with City & Guilds/British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association modern apprenticeship scheme. Successful candidates from the FMA will emerge with a NVQ level 2 in Land-based Service Engineering – NVQ Level 3 is awarded to those completing the AMA course.

CNH

Case New Holland runs a three year programme in conjunction with Reaseheath College, Cheshire. Similar to other manufacturers, CNH requires the applicant to be employed by a CNH dealer and have a minimum of three GCSE”s at grade C or above.

This year will see the first batch of apprentices complete their full CNH training – a course that now caters for approximately 30 apprentices a year.

Time is split between Reaseheath College and the apprentice”s dealership. Each year of the course contains three separate four week blocks.

The qualification obtained at the end of the three year block is an Edexcel National Diploma Land based Technology which is recognised by the IAgrE.

fwmachinery@rbi.co.uk