We Are Land-based Engineering, which is run by the Land-based Engineering – Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC Ltd), is thrilled to announce the winners of the Land-based Engineering Technician of the Year Award 2025.
This prestigious award recognises the next generation of engineering talent driving innovation and excellence across the land-based sector in the UK.
With record-breaking entries received, technicians across the country were nominated by their peers, colleagues, employers and lecturers to this year’s awards, answering questions set by the We Are Land-based Engineering panel.
Charlie Nicklin, CEO of Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) comments on this year’s competition, “As judges it was a challenge to get to our three winners from the fantastic array of entries we had this year. The three technicians chosen are a credit to their employers and have individually shone through for a variety of reasons, including technical ability, commitment and passion in their roles. They are all great ambassadors for our industry and will hopefully inspire others going forward”.
After multiple rounds of sifting through the entries, the following three technicians were picked and Gareth Ford of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) shared, “These three outstanding technicians showcase the skills, talent, and dedication that our industry has to offer. Their achievements reflect the strength of our training providers, employers, and the wider land-based engineering community.”
The top three for 2025are:
- 1st Place - Alfie Holstead, representing Grimme UK, has been awarded 1st place. Nominated by his lecturer at Reaseheath College, Alfie stood out for his exceptional technical ability, dedication to continuous learning, and passion for agricultural engineering. His achievement highlights the vital role of apprenticeships and education in shaping the future of the industry. Alfie was awarded a Kubota Tool Box as his prize. Alfie commented - “I was already over the moon to hear I’d won 1st place, but to find out what my prize was, it’s incredible. Thank you to those involved in the judging process and to Kubota UK for the prize”.
- 2nd Place - Taking 2nd place is Joe Sweetmore of B&B Tractors, whose nomination came from his service manager. Joe impressed the judges with his level of hands-on expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and commitment to delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Joe was awarded a Makita UK Radio for coming second place.
- 3rd Place – Third place was awarded to Anna Welland of Rea Valley Tractors, nominated by her lecturer at Writtle College. Anna’s strong academic performance, practical aptitude, and enthusiasm for the sector made her a standout candidate and a role model for aspiring technicians. Anna received a Makita UK Tool Kit for coming third in the competition, this will be invaluable to her career moving forward.
The Land-based Engineering Technician of the Year Award continues to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions of young professionals in agriculture, horticulture, and groundcare machinery. Backed by LE-TEC Ltd, the award is a testament to the sector’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators, whilst showcasing the high quality careers that are available.
“The We Are Land-based Engineering initiative is extremely important to the sector, building awareness of the career opportunities on offer by reaching out to younger generations and potential career changers alike. The calibre of the entrants we saw in this year’s Land-Based Engineering Technician of the Year was outstanding, filling myself and my fellow competition judges with pride and optimism for the new talent emerging across the board.” - Nick Darking, General Manager of BAGMA.
For more information about the awards, next year’s competition details, and the work of We Are Land-based Engineering, visit www.wearelandbased.engineering today.
