The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) has launched a new grade of membership to recognise the importance of the role of the technician in the landbased sector.
IAgrE CEO, Alastair Taylor commented:
“It is so important that we recognise the important role which our technicians fulfil across agricultural engineering in all of its forms. These people do such a great job and whether they are working as a Service Engineer in a dealership, as a Precision Farming Technician in wider agriculture or as a Soil Science technician. This new grade is a great way of recognising their achievements.”
The Technician grade of IAgrE Membership is for those who are qualified at a vocational or technical level and have completed an apprenticeship or extended diploma. This grade may include farm machinery service engineers, people working in precision farming and soil science working as technicians, instructors and trainers.
IAgrE Technician members will have a technical qualification in agricultural engineering, land-based technology or related engineering or scientific subject at Level 3. This will include, for example, an extended diploma, advanced apprenticeship or equivalent in an appropriate subject.
IAgrE President, Rob Merrall added:
“There are many reasons why it is good to be a member of a professional body. It is recognition and acknowledgement of your experience, personal skills and knowledge. This leads to a professional identity and greater job satisfaction, recognition and respect from employers, colleagues and customers for the expertise held. It helps you with continual professional development opportunities (CPD) and to stay abreast of technology. In the long term it offers greater career prospects and earning potential as well as greater self-esteem, confidence and professional assertiveness.”
