Young Worksop tractor technician receives Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprentice award

Lewis Woodward was one of two rising stars working at B&B Tractors in Mansfield who were named among the winners of the 2020 Midlands agricultural engineering apprentice awards.

He said: “I remember seeing huge tractors with their engines and transmissions being repaired and I decided this was definitely a career I wanted to get into.

“I’ve been at B&B Tractors for over three years and have loved working on all the different machinery and tractors - every day is different.”

Lewis was chosen by judges from the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) and will receive a moderate cash grant to invest in his work.

He said: “I’m in desperate need of a new heavy duty toolbox and an impact gun which this award will help me get.

"I want to become a master technician and be a harvest specialist as the technology on the new combines is incredible.”

Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B was full of praise for Lewis and fellow award winner Frazer Cross, from Southwell, who are among 14 apprentices currently with the business.

He said: “They have both been working hard and have both received good feedback from Warwickshire College, where they attend tutoring.

"We believe apprenticeships are vital to ensure we have the best future technicians, who are fully trained on the products we sell and it’s great that the NNAS recognise the value of apprentices for our industry."

The awards, funded by NNAS with support from heritage engineering expert Geoffrey Bond, are now in their fourth year.

NNAS chief executive Simon Eccleston said: “Our warmest congratulations go to Frazer and Lewis. We hope this gives them a fantastic career boost and supports the development of new skills.

“Our young and talented apprentices need inspirational new opportunities, particularly in such a challenging year for so many.”

Geoffrey Bond added: “Studying alongside a live working environment is such a rich way of learning a new trade, so I hope this award is a fitting recognition for all their hard work.”

“In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.” – Nancy Fielder, editor.