AFGRI Equipment Carnamah parts interpreter Michael Aggett is having a crack at an ag career while providing an example to young people of the opportunities available in the farm mechanisation industry.
Michael worked at a neighbouring company for four years before taking up an opportunity with AFGRI.
“I wanted to learn more about agriculture,” Michael said.
Jumping in at the proverbial deep end of the pool, he quickly experienced the challenges of understanding the functions of machinery parts and relating with customers.
Arguably the parts department is the heartbeat of a dealership (just bought an argument with the sales and service guys) and Michael has relished the opportunity.
He is about a quarter way through a 200-hour distant learning module with the John Deere University in Brisbane, underlining the support training available at all levels of the dealership.
“There’s no doubt about the challenges and you’re always learning something new,” Michael said.
“But I’m a lot more confident now with this being my second harvest.”
The big buzz for Michael is helping farmers, which has led to his additional appointment in customer service.
“I visit farmers and chat with them about their experiences with our dealership and relay feedback to our managers,” he said.
“At the same time I’m building relationships, not only on the farm but at the dealership when they come in looking for a particular part.”
As for the future, Michael is keen to keep on learning and has his sights on a managerial role.
That is a distinct possibility in this industry which already has seen apprentices rise to the position of dealer principals.
AFGRI and like dealerships also deserves recognition for a purposeful strategy to attract young people.
It really doesn’t matter about the colour of the dealership.
There’s a positive attitude within the industry to encourage and foster the young to maintain a quality service to farmers.
All it takes is a phone call to your local dealer to discover a life-changing opportunity.