New Holland has congratulated a host of Scottish apprentices who have completed their City and Guilds National Certificate in Land-based Engineering.
John Connolly from Agricar, Dundonald, Craig Farmer from Bryson Tractors and Keiran Hay from Fife Tractors all completed the scheme, which encourages anyone with an interest in agricultural machinery to consider a career in land-based engineering.
The qualification balances theory with practical tasks including servicing and maintenance on a wide range of equipment.
It commenced in 2017 when New Holland Agriculture and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Oatridge campus joined forces to create the four-year qualification for Scottish school leavers.
The National Certificate in Land-based Engineering allows applicants to begin their apprenticeship by studying for a year to attain the certificate and then undertake a further two years of study to gain their SVQ level 2 once employment in the industry has been secured.
If a New Holland dealership is willing to employ an applicant without a National Certificate, they can proceed straight to the SVQ. The apprentices also have the potential to progress through further trailing towards becoming a New Holland Master Technician.
Mark Barnes, product support and brand service UK & ROI said “It’s really great to see the first output from this program which is receiving good reviews from both employers and students alike.
“Graduation from the program is only the first step in what is potentially a very exciting career path. We look forward to seeing the recent graduates in the New Holland Basildon Training Centre as their knowledge and experience grows on the way to becoming a New Holland Master Technician”.