Those training to be agricultural engineers are invited to apply for a £500 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award.
Run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), in association with the Midlands Machinery Show, the award provides a bursary, paid in two instalments, to apprentices aged between 17 and 25.
To qualify, they must be working for an agricultural engineering firm which is exhibiting at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show, and be studying at an academic institution.
William Vines from Chandlers Farm Equipment in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, was one successful applicant who 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.”
Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive of NNAS, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing initiative which shines a spotlight on young engineers at the very start of their careers.
“Apprentices are vital to the future of agricultural engineering. 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 for the long term.”
Application forms and entry criteria can be found here and those interested have until the 10th of October to enter. The winners will be announced at the Midlands Machinery Show on the 19th of November.