Perth’s Mitch wins Deere Parts Apprentice of the Year

AFGRI Equipment – Perth’s Mitchell Channer was named John Deere Parts Apprentice of the Year at the second annual John Deere Technician Awards held last month.

Mitch, who attended the awards ceremony in Queensland, won the award out of a very competitive field of finalists from John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand. Speaking after the event, Mitch said it was a fantastic feeling to take out the award. “It meant so much to be named a finalist in the awards, it was a real privilege and I felt proud to be representing AFGRI and my branch,” he said. “To have won, I feel very honoured, and I am looking forward to celebrating with our team and those who have supported me through my training.” AFGRI Equipment – Perth branch manager Matt Utley, who nominated Mitch for the award, said he had a real knack for problem solving and embraces the daily challenges of his role in supplying our customers with parts. “Mitch has done a fantastic job - he is a very valued member of our team in South Guildford,” Matt said. “Customers are often surprised to learn he is still a trainee as his in-depth knowledge of the John Deere product range is beyond his years. “We’re all really proud of him, he deserves it after all the hard work he has and continues to put in to support our customers.” AFGRI also had three other finalists, who attended the awards ceremony, nominated in other categories – Albany’s Ben Mummery for Construction & Forestry Technician of the Year, Perth’s John Mooney for Turf Technician of the Year and Narrogin’s Dillon James for Parts Technician of the Year. Finalists were nominated by their dealerships, with additional feedback provided from customers, and were judged on their mechanical and technical expertise, as well as their previous accomplishments in their roles. John Deere Australia & New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler congratulated each of the night’s winners and regional finalists on their outstanding achievements. “This year’s winners all share extensive technical expertise and a true passion for their work, which made them clear standouts to our panel of judges,” Chandler said. “People like them, who are dedicated to supporting operators get the most out of their equipment, embody the exciting role of a tech, which is ever-evolving as the agriculture, turf, construction and forestry industries increase their adoption of sophisticated and highly-efficient machinery.” AFGRI Equipment would like to congratulate Mitch, Ben, John and Dillon for their efforts and the excellent job they continue to do at their dealerships.