Apprentice of the Year 2023 Finalists
Our 2023 Apprentice of the Year Awards recognise outstanding dedication, skills, and commitment, embodying the core values we live and breathe. We’re thrilled to offer our apprentice technicians an exclusive chance to work on top-of-the-line farm machinery. Guided by seasoned technicians, they gain invaluable experience across our network.
We caught up with the finalists for this year’s Apprentice of the Year award to hear about their experiences. They shared their journeys, challenges, and what they learned along the way. Read on to find out what they have to say.
Peter Dumesny – Apprentice of the Year Finalist and Winner, Riverton
1. What was the most valuable lesson or skill you gained during your apprentice this year?
To persevere, sometimes the jobs are challenging, and you have to keep trying or think of a different way to achieve the desired result. Sometimes you just need a bigger hammer.
2. Reflecting on your experiences, how has your perspective on your chosen field or profession evolved throughout the year?
I am really pleased with my choice to take on an apprenticeship with Ramsey Bros. I get to work within a great team and meet good and genuine people every job that we attend
3. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of from your time as an apprentice and why?
Being on call during harvest. There were a number of times when I got the call out to assist a broken down farmer. Fortunately we had the parts, I was able to get on farm, get the repairs done and get the farmer back to reaping. A great result for everyone.
4. What is the highlight of your year?
During harvest pre-season we had a major rebuild of a combine, rotor, concaves, cage, gearbox….. once it was pulled apart it was a sight to see. Having the opportunity to take the lead on a re-build of this scale and for the farmer to have a good harvest with the machine not faltering was definitely an achievement for me and the Techs who guided me along the way.
Daniel Clements – Apprentice of the Year 2023 Finalist, Cummins
1. What was the most valuable lesson or skill you gained during your apprenticeship this year?
Learning to use time well and improve efficiency has been valuable. These changes have helped me focus and make better use of my time.
2. Reflecting on your experiences, how has your perspective on your chosen field or profession evolved throughout the year
Improving my confidence has been great, especially with teamwork. I’ve noticed that as my self-assurance grows, I’m more willing to contribute ideas, take initiative, and work effectively with other team members.
3. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of from your time as an apprentice, and why?
Receiving a ute and feeling confident enough to tackle tasks by myself. It made me feel I had the ability to handle responsibilities on my own.
4. What is the highlight of your year?
Working on a new 7000 series Nitro with Billberry spray system.
Zac Lawrie – Apprentice of the Year 2023 Finalist, Wudinna
1. What was the most valuable lesson or skill you gained during your apprenticeship this year?
Working at the Wudinna branch with out team of techs, I’ve found that effective time management is essential to the role.
2. Can you share a specific challenge you faced during your apprenticeship and how you overcame it?
Being given a chance to take on a variety of tasks was a challenge – but this allowed me to gain valuable experience and develop my skills in different areas. Mentorship I received helped me gain confidence and proficiency quickly.
3. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of from your time as an apprentice, and why?
Looking back, I’m most proud of the volume of work that we handled at the Wudinna workshop. It’s a reflection of our team’s effectiveness in providing quality service to customers.
4. What is the highlight of your year?
The variety of work we see throughout the year.
