Young tractor technicians at Warsop business win Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprentice awards

Lewis Woodward and Frazer Cross, of B&B Tractors on Forest Road, were two of the rising stars honoured at the 2020 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Awards.

Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B, said: “We were really happy to hear that they were successful. They have both been working hard and have both received good feedback from Warwickshire College, where they attend tutoring.

“We believe apprenticeships are vital to ensure we have the best future technicians, who are fully trained on the products we sell and it’s great that the NNAS recognise the value of apprentices for our industry.”

Lewis and Frazer, who are among 14 apprentices currently at the firm, were picked out by judges from the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) and will receive a moderate cash grant to invest in tools.

Lewis, who comes from Worksop, said: “I remember seeing huge tractors with their engines and transmissions being repaired and I decided this was definitely a career I wanted to get into.

“I’ve been at B&B Tractors for over three years and have loved working on all the different machinery and tractors - every day is different.”

He added: “I’m in desperate need of a new toolbox and an impact gun which this award will help me get. I want to become a harvest specialist as the technology on the new combines is incredible.”

Southwell resident Frazer said: “I love the challenge and satisfaction of repairing something and seeing it go back to work.

“I’d love to become a master technician one day and train a new apprentice.”

The awards, funded by NNAS with support from heritage engineering expert Geoffrey Bond, are now in their fourth year.

NNAS chief executive Simon Eccleston said: “Our warmest congratulations go to Frazer and Lewis. We hope this gives them a fantastic career boost. Our young and talented apprentices need inspirational new opportunities, particularly in such a challenging year for so many.”

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