New Holland has launched their 2025 Apprentice program, aimed at recognising the exceptional contributions of apprentices to the industry and highlighting how agriculture offers dynamic, technology-driven career paths.
As proud sponsors of the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team, New Holland is offering six exceptional apprentice service technicians the chance to experience race day action at one of six annual Supercars races.
CNH ANZ National Parts and Service Manager, Gary Pertot, said New Holland Australia’s groundbreaking Apprentice of the Year program is designed to attract and develop the next generation of agricultural technicians.
“Our program provides specialised training at a dedicated TAFE facility in Wagga Wagga, on New Holland machinery, offering a unique pathway for young professionals,” Gary said.
“Unlike traditional trade apprenticeships, this program accelerates learning, enabling apprentices to become fully productive within two years.”
“Participants not only gain advanced technical skills but also benefit from a comprehensive training experience that creates lasting professional networks and opportunities across the agricultural sector.”
Gary said connecting apprentices with the high-tech world of Supercars shows agricultural technology can be just as challenging and sophisticated as motorsports.
“Just as Supercar teams rely on precision engineering, advanced data analytics, and complex technological systems, today's agricultural professionals work with equally state-of-the-art machinery and technologies.”
“Today’s agricultural technicians are essentially high-tech engineers, working with autonomous machinery, precision GPS mapping, advanced computer-controlled technologies with agronomic data overlay, and advanced hydraulic and electrical systems.
“The Supercars experience provides a tangible, exciting touchpoint for apprentices starting their career path to understand that agricultural careers are about innovation, technology, and high-performance engineering.
“By showcasing the high-tech world of modern agricultural machinery, the program aims to inspire emerging talent to see agriculture as a cutting-edge, rewarding professional pathway.
“We see this initiative as critical in addressing skills shortages and challenging outdated perceptions of farming as a low-tech industry, with there being limited opportunities existing in regional towns” he said.
The Apprentice of the Year program represents New Holland’s commitment to developing skilled professionals who will drive the future of agricultural innovation.
The winning apprentices for the 2025 Apprentice of the Year program will meet the team drivers and get on the tools with the Red Bull Ampol Racing team and Triple Eight Race Engineering team.
The program is open to service apprentices working across New Holland Agriculture’s network of 125 Australian and New Zealand dealerships, where Dealer Principals or Service Managers nominate outstanding apprentices.
Since the partnership with Triple Eight Race Engineering was first formed in 2021, almost 15 apprentices and technicians have been recognised for excellence with the opportunity to meet the drivers, be a part the pit crew, and help support the team’s race result.
The first of this year’s winners is Malone James from TransAg, Palmerston North, who joined the pit crew trackside at the Taupo Super 440 race in New Zealand from 11 April to 13 April.