At Ramsey Bros, apprentices come from all walks of life and ages. Joining our Riverton team as a mature age apprentice just last year, Peter Dumesny has thrived and won the 2023 Apprentice of the Year award, proving it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
From apprentice to award winner
Growing up on a farm in Nullawarre, Victoria, 36-year-old Peter has always had a passion for machinery. After serving in the military for six-and-a-half years, he knew he wanted to become a diesel mechanic, especially working on tractors.
Peter joined the Ramsey Bros team with a clear goal, as Riverton Branch Manager Justin Smorti, recalls: “Peter came into the team with a determination to give it his best. He told me straight up that he wanted to be considered one of the best technicians, and I could tell he meant it. As soon as we gave him the opportunity, he was thrilled — you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face!”
Peter’s experience has been fulfilling from the start. “I got in surprisingly quickly, with Justin offering me the job only two weeks after I applied. It’s great to be working on equipment that interests me, with good people and good farmers. There have been really good mentors in the Ramsey Bros team and out in the field,” Peter shares.
He also values the training he’s received, both from working across different Ramsey Bros branches and through Case IH training at Wagga Wagga TAFE, and the fact that he’s taken every opportunity with both hands has really paid off.
“Early in his employment, I would get notifications from Web Academy that Peter had been logged onto the Case IH portal after hours and completed all the courses that were available to him. He spent his spare time researching products and has a general hunger for the knowledge that will help him to succeed in his role,” Justin says.
A new approach
Justin emphasises that targeting mature candidates like Peter was a strategic move to balance the team with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience — and it’s paid off in spades. “There’s certainly something to be found with the guys who are a bit more mature — a level head on their shoulders and more life experience. It gives you a really strong team and a great balance of skills, and I think we’ve struck that balance really well now.
“To anyone considering a mature age apprenticeship, it’s important to know that age isn’t a
barrier. Just get in there and talk to businesses about what you can bring to the team. My perception has changed quite a bit in terms of what I look for — and there are plenty of things that aren’t necessarily relevant qualifications that would be very valuable to a business — including life experience and maturity.”
Taking out the award
Winning the Apprentice of the Year award came as a surprise to Peter, who humbly acknowledges his talented workmates. “There are a lot of good people in the company who would be just as deserving. I was really honoured,” he says.
For Justin, Peter’s recognition was a boost for the whole Riverton team. “I was stoked for him to get the award! We knew he’d be one of the best — he was certainly achieving big things in our team, and it was great to see him get recognised among the whole company. It was almost a ‘proud dad’ moment,” he laughs.
Peter’s advice to anyone considering a mature age apprenticeship is, “Set yourself up financially and give it a go. You can apply skills and life experience to your everyday learning and work.”
We’re thrilled to be celebrating Peter’s success so far — and we’re committed to supporting talent at every stage of life. What a great reminder that it’s never too late to follow your career dreams and knock it out of the park.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a trade but told yourself it was too late, think again! Get set to live the good life at ramseybros.com.au/intake
(From left to right) Justin Smorti, Riverton Branch Manager, Peter Dumesny and Dave Stutley, Service Manager.
