Mature age apprentices, a master technician who says he ‘bleeds green’, and a former security guard for pop icon Taylor Swift are just some of the 21 Australian finalists vying for recognition as the best of the best at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards.
The Awards, now in their third year, were established to acknowledge the important contribution John Deere technicians make to the Australian agriculture, construction and forestry industries and to applaud excellence in the provision of service and support to John Deere customers.
The finalists will travel to the company’s Australian headquarters in Brisbane later this month for a second round of judging where they will be tested on their ability to perform hands-on tasks and troubleshoot technical issues.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the finalists, recognising the enormous value they bring to their industries and the communities in which they live and work.
“We received more than 100 award nominations from 62 John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, which showcases the depth of the talent we are proud to have supporting our customers,” Mr Chandler said.
“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills, and becoming a finalist in the annual awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication our technicians inject into their roles.
“Each finalist has a proven track record of helping farmers and businesses unlock greater productivity and sustainability achievements through technology, and they should be very proud of rising to the top of a very competitive field.”
Seven titles will be awarded across five categories in the 2023 John Deere Technician Awards including individual country awards for both the Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year and Parts Technician of the Year. One award winner, from either Australia or New Zealand, will be announced as the Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Apprentice of the Year and the Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year.
Building career pathways through apprenticeships
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Emma Ford, said one of the highlights of the annual awards was seeing the calibre and diversity of the apprentices coming through the pipeline.
“This year, our finalists include a mix of mature age apprentices, young people starting their trade straight out of school and five female apprentices,” Ford said.
“While they’re all diverse in their experience and background, what they have in common is a deep enthusiasm to learn and commitment to deliver exceptional aftermarket service to their customers.
“Being a John Deere technician offers a rewarding career path with potential for growth and professional development, and we look forward to seeing our apprentice finalists in action later this month.”
The Award winners will be announced at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards gala event on Thursday, 24 August 2023.
2023 JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN AWARD AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS
Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year
- Lachlan Corridan, Haeusler’s, Sea Lake, Victoria
- Francois Groenewald, Hutcheon & Pearce, Griffith, New South Wales
- Karl Moschella, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
- David Nicol, Pringles Crouch, Crystal Brook, South Australia
- Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales
Parts Technician of the Year
- Jarred Bourke, LandHQ, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
- Mitchell Channer, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
- Andrew James, RDO Equipment, Richlands, Queensland
- Sarah Lewis, Brandt, Terang, Victoria
- Kaylyn-Rose Netrval, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales
Construction & Forestry Technician of the Year
- Hayden Cox, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
- Mark Muller, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
Service Apprentice of the Year
- Salvatore Bettio, Hutcheon & Pearce, Albury North, New South Wales
- James Clarkson, AFGRI Equipment, Gnowangerup, Western Australia
- Darcy Miller, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
- Aaron Roberts, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria
Parts Apprentice of the Year
- Poppy Blohm, AFGRI Equipment, Narrogin, Western Australia
- Lauren Cortes, RDO Equipment, Dalby, Queensland
- Belinda Gade, Emmetts, Renmark, South Australia
- Matthew Giuntini, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
- Kym Thorne, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland