‘Mechanical mind’ takes James from the workshop to Supercars

A natural talent for working with machinery has seen third-year agricultural machinery apprentice at Giles Machinery in Strathalbyn, James Scott, win a trackside experience with Red Bull Ampol Racing as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.

Talented machinery apprentice James Scott was all revved up for a change of pace, when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend this past weekend (12-14 September).

James joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.

James said it was cool to see how everything worked behind the scenes on race day.

“I always loved them growing up, loved watching them go around. Being a part of the pit crew was very different to what you see on the TV, so it was great to be involved,” he said.

“Time is everything in the pits. Tools and parts are prepared in advance so that any issues can be addressed immediately, getting the car back on the track as quickly as possible.

“That’s really important in my own work too. When a customer’s machine breaks down, you’ve got to get it running again quickly, especially during busy times like hay season.

“Time is money for them, just like in racing.”

“Ever since I was a kid, I've always liked mucking around with machines. I grew up on a little hobby farm near Strathalbyn so have always had an interest in the ag side of the industry.”

The ability to quickly figure out how machines work and diagnose problems has set James apart during his apprenticeship.

Jayde Margetts, Service Manager at Giles Machinery, said right from the start, there were many jobs that he could throw at James, who would undertake them with ease.

“Having a ‘mechanical mind’ is what sets successful mechanics apart from others and James has that sort of mentality,” he said.

“It doesn't matter what I give him, whether it's a technical thing on a large square baler or something on a little lawn tractor, he can quickly figure out what needs to be done with minimal supervision.

“For a person of his age, James is able to think outside the box when things get sticky.

“He is often the one to be giving out advice not only to our other apprentices, but also some qualified staff, that may be in a bind.”

James joined Giles Machinery as a school-based apprentice, balancing his studies with hands-on work, and has since progressed to working full-time having finished Year 12 last year.

He is expanding his qualifications by training to become an auto electrician in addition to his mechanical apprenticeship.

“I've just been signed up to carry a dual trade as well as an auto elect, which also adds another six to 12 months onto my apprenticeship. But after that, I'll be dual trade qualified,” he said.

Jayde said Giles Machinery will keep James busy due to the wide variety of New Holland machines he gets to work on and the extensive area the business services.

“James’s role involves maintaining and repairing everything from small lawn tractors to large articulated tractors, telehandlers, balers, vineyard equipment, and more,” he said.

“Giles Machinery serves New Holland customers in Strathalbyn, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Our customer base is diverse, ranging from broadacre farmers and dairy operations to vineyards and hobby farmers, some of whom have been with us for generations.

“This means there’s always a new challenge and a steady stream of work. James will have plenty of opportunities to apply his skills and stay busy.

“I have no doubt that there will be nothing that gets in the way of James being a very talented technician.”

James is one of six exceptional apprentice service technicians who will experience race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland's sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.