Agriculture and turf service technician Brad Skinner. Photo: John Deere
An Esperance mechanic is outright winner for Australia in an industry award from an international farming equipment manufacturer.
The John Deere Technician of the Year Awards were announced last week in Brisbane, with Brad Skinner from AFGRI Equipment in Esperance awarded the trophy in the Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year category.
Mr Skinner said he knew he would face some tough competition walking into John Deere’s Australian and New Zealand headquarters.
“I feel really privileged given the calibre of all the other technicians and their years of experience compared to me,” he said.
“It’s pretty humbling and I reckon I’ve done AFGRI, my region, and Esperance pretty proud.”
Judges said in the seven years Mr Skinner has worked for AFGRI Equipment in Esperance, he had built enduring relationships with his customers, supporting a range of broadacre famers.
Mr Skinner said leaving a farm at the end of the day, knowing the equipment he had worked on was running and keeping the farmer operating was what he loved the most about his job.
“I put my best into my work, and to see the equipment running and know it’s making the farmer happy is actually the most rewarding thing,” he said.
Since he started his apprenticeship in 2017, Mr Skinner said he had seen many changes in technology, which not only kept his role interesting, but drove him to continually develop his toolbox of skills.
“I’m always adapting my skills. Right now, I’m doing a dual trade to auto electrical,” he said.
“All our machines now are pretty much heavily reliant on electrical stuff, so it’s important to continue to learn.”
More than 130 technicians were nominated by their dealerships in 2024, with input from customers.
The 32 finalists travelled to the company’s Australian headquarters in Brisbane week to be put through a rigorous assessment process, testing diagnostic capabilities, technical knowledge and customer service skills.
