• Agricultural engineering technicians celebrate their success outside Reaseheath Hall

Forty-five block release agricultural engineering technicians were joined by their employers at a celebration to mark the completion of their apprenticeships at Reaseheath College.

The awards ceremony marked the end of a three year training programme for the technicians, who are employed by the UK and Ireland dealer network for leading manufacturers such as CASE, New Holland, CLAAS and JCB.

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading colleges for land-based engineering, Reaseheath is a key training provider for these companies, which have considerable input into the programme to ensure it delivers the skills and technical knowledge required by the industry. The companies also donate top-of-the-range machinery and equipment for the students’ technical training.

The technicians, who are selected by their employers for progression, study at college for a total of 12 weeks a year and spend the rest of their time gaining experience in their workplace. Reaseheath’s programme delivers both practical and theoretical study, with students receiving technical training both in our workshops and during manufacturer-specific sessions offsite.

There are currently 150 students on this thriving programme. Successful technicians graduate with a new Standards Apprenticeship and a City and Guilds Level 3 in Work Based Land Based Engineering.

  • Award winners Greg Harries, Toby Robinson, Lewis Harrison and Connor Heath with our very proud staff!

Awards for outstanding students went to:

Award for Endeavour:  Connor Heath (Sharnford Tractors, Leicestershire)

Best practical apprentice:  Greg Harries (Davies Crane Hire, South Wales)

Best academic apprentice:  Toby Robinson (Ernest Doe, West Sussex)

Apprentice of the Year:  Lewis Harrison (Russell Group Agriculture, North Yorkshire)

Programme Leader Tom Scott said:  “This was a very competent cohort who will progress into successful careers in the agricultural engineering industry. Their companies have recognised their potential and have invested in them by funding their continuing education.

“I would like to thank the manufacturers and their dealer network for their continued support of the students and their commitment to the training programme.”