Congratulations to our 2025 Apprentice of the Year!
Starting an apprenticeship later in life was a big call for Jim Leggett, but it’s proving to be the right one. Now three years into the role at Murray Bridge, he’s built a reputation for his strong work ethic, curiosity and eagerness to keep learning.
What have you enjoyed most about the apprenticeship so far?
The learning. I’m quite a creative guy, so using the more logical, problem-solving side of my brain has been good. But the biggest part is the guys I work with. There’s real camaraderie — everyone would give each other the shirt off their back. We all have hard days, but we have a beer together at the end of the day, have a laugh and support each other if someone’s had a rough one.
How did you end up at Ramsey Bros?
I’m from Queensland originally and had been working in agriculture for about six years. When I moved here, I did a couple of vintages in McLaren Vale, then coming up to 30, thought I should get a qualification behind me. I knew some people from Murray Bridge when I was in Queensland who suggested I try Ramseys, so I cold called the Murray Bridge branch about an apprenticeship and got the job.
What did the award mean to you?
I’ve been trying to do a good job for the last few years, so it was very surprising but really nice to be recognised. I started an adult apprenticeship, so there are a lot of sacrifices involved. Something like that just makes you think you’ve made a good choice and you’re doing something good with your life.
What have you enjoyed most about the apprenticeship so far?
The learning. I’m quite a creative guy, so using the more logical, problem-solving side of my brain has been good. But the biggest part is the guys I work with. There’s real camaraderie — everyone would give each other the shirt off their back. We all have hard days, but we have a beer together at the end of the day, have a laugh and support each other if someone’s had a rough one.
Has anything surprised you along the way?
How expensive tools are!
Who’s had the biggest influence on you during the apprenticeship?
Adam Reichelt, the senior technician at Murray Bridge. He’s taught me everything I know.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Probably the responsibility as you get further through the apprenticeship. You start making diagnoses yourself and you have to own those decisions. If you make a mistake, which everyone does, you’ve got to own that too. It’s about accountability and humility.
What are you hoping to achieve in the next few years?
Just keep building skills and confidence and keep developing the muscle. There are still gaps in my knowledge that will fill with experience, so I want to keep broadening what I know across things like headers and seeders.
And when you’re not in the workshop?
I’m either making music, watching music or doing something outdoors. I play guitar and drums and I’m in a band that plays music inspired by traditional Bahamian blues. I also jump up at the open mic nights at my local in Macclesfield.
With his curiosity, work ethic and strong backing from the team, Jim’s already building a bright future in the industry. Congrats, Jim — well deserved.
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