AFGRI Equipment have welcomed our fourth intake of apprentices to the AFGRI Apprentice Academy at our recent induction day at Central Regional TAFE in Moora. The day saw 18 of our first-year apprentice technicians learn more about the company, what is expected of them and the journey ahead. Having now got familiar with working at their respective branches, the day was held on the first day of their first training block at Central Regional TAFE. The apprentices will complete three separate TAFE blocks over the course of their first year, starting with a three-week block this May followed by two 2-week blocks in July and October. They will also continue their on-the-job training at their AFGRI branch as well as complete training modules through John Deere University. AFGRI acting group service manager Charles van Loggerenberg said the induction day is an important part of the apprentices’ training. “The day is essential as it introduces the apprentices to what it means to work for AFGRI Equipment as a company and highlights the support functions we have in place to ensure they get the most out of their apprenticeship and progress well,” Charles said. “It’s particularly pleasing that the day was hosted at TAFE this year, where they will be completing their training blocks, as it gives a great well-rounded impression of what the year has to come and how everything in their studies works together.” The day kicked off with a welcome from our operations director, Gollie Coetzee who outlined the company’s vision and mission and the importance of the apprentices for the company’s future. This was then followed by Charles outlining the company’s footprint in Western Australia and internationally as well as the functions of the academy and future career paths and progression. Technical advisor Riaan Ferreira then talked more about the types of equipment the apprentices will be working on from John Deere as well our other suppliers including Bourgault and Equalizer. After lunch, TAFE lead lecturer Sean Taylor outlined what the apprentices could expect at TAFE followed by AFGRI HSE advisor Luke Bennecke detailing the safety requirements and expectations required for their role. During their studies at TAFE, students will also be able to liaise with AFGRI Equipment – Moora service manager Neville Topham for extra support and another point of contact when on campus. This year’s intake is the fourth class since the academy’s inception with some apprentices from our first intake having already qualified this year and more expected to finish before the end of the year. “This aligns with our goal to continue to keep producing highly-qualified, highly-motivated John Deere technicians of the future,” Charles said. “We are proud of this achievement and look forward to the AFGRI Apprentice Academy continuing to help develop our talent moving forward.”