AFGRI Academy 2023

AFGRI starts year with focus on staff development

AFGRI Equipment has started the year with a splash. Focused on career development across our branch network saw the commencement of the 2023 AFGRI Academy, where Parts Trainees and Service Apprentices began their 2 to 4 years of training at the Muresk Institute in Northam.

Over 45 staff came together at the AFGRI Head Office in South Guildford to hear from Wessel Oosthuizen - Commercial Director, around the history of AFGRI followed by Brad Forrester - General Manager Aftermarket, providing insight into the days ahead.

The AFGRI Academy allows out branch network across Western Australia to deliver an in-depth training program with the support of TAFE WA and John Deere to prepare future Service Technicians and Parts Sales Representatives.

Over the course of three days at the Muresk Institute the new staff heard from numerous people across the business to see the importance they play in the future of agriculture, turf, construction and forestry.

Particularly due to the rapid improvement and integration of technology as highlighted across the session with Ben Suffield and Chris Weideman both from John Deere.

The overview of the first day saw everyone listening to the journey of Mitchell Channer, last year’s Australian Parts Apprentice of the Year as recognised by John Deere, through the program.

This followed Matthew Upton, Sales Representative from the Esperance branch, outlining his career with AFGRI over several years starting as a Service Technician.

Central to the three day induction week was seeing machinery across the range of John Deere products that reflected the growing adoption of technology specifically through Precision Ag.

The highlight of the session involved Tim Stubenvoll controlling the room while he conducted a Building Trust in Teams session that reveal the importance, they will play in supporting the branch.

This extends to the supporting each other throughout the qualification training that is conducted in study block throughout the year with TAFE WA.