From watching Bathurst on the family couch to landing an exclusive trackside weekend with the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew, heavy diesel agricultural apprentice Darcy Byant-Smith is gearing up for a once in a lifetime experience as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.
Like any high schooler raised watching the Bathurst 1000, Darcy Byant-Smith’s dream job was to work with engines, identifying faults and getting the vehicles back on the road.
What he didn’t expect was to one day be trackside with the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew at the Perth Super 440.
That’s just what’s in store for the second-year heavy diesel agricultural apprentice with McIntosh & Son Narrogin, as part of New Holland’s apprentice program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.
Darcy is one of six exceptional apprentice service technicians who will get to 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.
Following his love for cars, Darcy completed a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology while attending a local agriculture college before moving to a heavy diesel agricultural apprenticeship with McIntosh & Son’s own registered training organisation, McIntosh Training Academy.
Today he works on large diesel engines, hydraulics, and powertrains on agricultural machinery from combine harvesters, tractors, balers and telehandlers to general farm equipment.
“Day to day in the workshop it gets pretty busy and some of the projects are pretty intense,” he said.
“Although I knew this kind of field existed, I didn’t think I would be working on agricultural machinery every day and helping farmers remain operational.”
The Bathurst 1000 was always on the television growing up. When Darcy found out he’d be experiencing the same high-octane thrills trackside with the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew at the Perth Super 440, he was pretty stoked.
“I’d watch Bathurst with mum and dad. Keeping the cars on the track always seemed impressive, and now I have the chance to experience it for myself,” Darcy said.
McIntosh & Son Narrogin Service Manager, Byron Blevin, said despite being only a second-year apprentice, Darcy had already proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the team.
“Darcy’s wealth of knowledge is truly remarkable for someone of his age and experience,” he said.
“It’s not uncommon for more qualified team members to seek Darcy’s input and
advice, as his knowledge and problem-solving skills often surpass those of many with far more years of experience.
“One of Darcy’s most impressive recent achievements was his successful completion of a complicated differential rebuild, which he executed in an exceptionally efficient time frame.
“This task required a high level of skill, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of complex mechanical systems—qualities that Darcy displayed in abundance.
“His ability to complete such intricate work with speed and precision speaks volumes about his capabilities and work ethic.
“Whether he’s taking the bin out and sweeping, or providing technical guidance and completing mechanical related jobs, his willingness to take on new responsibilities and ability to perform under pressure sets him apart from his peers,” he said.
CNH National Parts and Service Manager, Gary Pertot, said New Holland’s apprentice program was critical strategy for addressing skills shortages and attracting young talent.
“Our biggest issue is trying to attract quality technicians and apprentices to our industry,” he said.
“Our program is about challenging perceptions that agriculture is a low-tech or uninteresting career.
“Modern agriculture is about complex technologies—CVT transmissions, precision farming tools, and advanced engineering. We are showing school leavers, young people or those looking to reskill that a career in agriculture is a chance to be at the forefront of technological innovation that feeds the nation,” Gary said.