The winners of the 2020 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Awards have been announced, with four young agricultural apprentices the happy recipients of this year’s award.
Liam Wright, Owen Bradley, Frazer Cross and Lewis Woodward will receive a total grant of £500 each.
The youngsters were chosen by a panel of Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) judges in recognition of the valuable contribution they’re making across the agricultural industry.
The award, funded by NNAS with support from Geoffrey Bond OBE DL, is now in its fourth year and aims to support young people as they develop the skills they need to embark on successful agricultural careers.
Understandably, this year’s presentation was done remotely but next year’s award ceremony will be back to its original place at the Midlands Machinery Show between November 9-10, 2021.
The NNAS apprenticeship scheme has now supported 34 young apprentices from a range of different backgrounds and with a diverse mix of skills.
Simon Eccleston, chief executive for Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, said:
“Our warmest congratulations go to Liam, Owen, Frazer and Lewis.
We hope the award gives them a fantastic career boost and supports the development of new skills as they head into their future careers.
“Young and talented agricultural apprentices need inspirational new opportunities, particularly when 2020 has been such a challenging year for so many.”
‘The next wave of agricultural engineering talent’
Eccleston continued:
“Investing in youth and supporting the next wave of agricultural engineering talent is a key part of our ongoing Education Programme.
To have helped 34 young apprentices so far is incredibly gratifying as we see the confidence and development the support can bring.
“We look forward to seeing the four young apprentices progress into their careers which we hope are long and successful.”
Geoffrey Bond OBE, DL added:
“I’m delighted these four young people are doing so well in their apprenticeships.
The combination of studying in a working environment is an advantageous way of learning new skills, so I hope this award is a fitting recognition for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.
The award is given in two instalments of £250 in May and November, with last year’s winners, Owen Robinson, Jack Hobbs, Robbie Slingsby, Ben Bailey and Terry Kirk now receiving their second part of their award.
