John Deere Australian finalists vie for Technician of the Year Awards

John Deere Australia Media Release – August 2023

Mature age apprentices, a master technician who says he ‘bleeds green’, and a former security guard for pop icon Taylor Swift are just some of the 21 Australian finalists vying for recognition as the best of the best at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards.

The Awards, now in their third year, were established to acknowledge the important contribution John Deere technicians make to the Australian agriculture, construction and forestry industries and to applaud excellence in the provision of service and support to John Deere customers.

The finalists will travel to the company’s Australian headquarters in Brisbane this month for a second round of judging where they will be tested on their ability to perform hands-on tasks and troubleshoot technical issues.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the finalists, recognising the enormous value they bring to their industries and the communities in which they live and work.

“We received more than 100 award nominations from 62 John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, which showcases the depth of the talent we are proud to have supporting our customers,” Mr Chandler said.

“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills, and becoming a finalist in the annual awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication our technicians inject into their roles.

“Each finalist has a proven track record of helping farmers and businesses unlock greater productivity and sustainability achievements through technology, and they should be very proud of rising to the top of a very competitive field.”

Seven titles will be awarded across five categories in the 2023 John Deere Technician Awards including individual country awards for both the Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year and Parts Technician of the Year. One award winner, from either Australia or New Zealand, will be announced as the Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Apprentice of the Year and the Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year.

Building career pathways through apprenticeships

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Emma Ford, said one of the highlights of the annual awards was seeing the calibre and diversity of the apprentices coming through the pipeline.

“This year, our finalists include a mix of mature age apprentices, young people starting their trade straight out of school and five female apprentices,” Ms Ford said.

“While they’re all diverse in their experience and background, what they have in common is a deep enthusiasm to learn and commitment to deliver exceptional aftermarket service to their customers.

“Being a John Deere technician offers a rewarding career path with potential for growth and professional development, and we look forward to seeing our apprentice finalists in action next month.”

The Award winners will be announced at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards gala event on Thursday, 24 August 2023.

2023 JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN AWARD AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS

(Biographies below)

Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year

(will compete for an Australian only Award)

• Lachlan Corridan, Haeusler’s, Sea Lake, Victoria
• Francois Groenewald, Hutcheon & Pearce, Griffith, New South Wales
• Karl Moschella, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
• David Nicol, Pringles Crouch, Crystal Brook, South Australia
• Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Parts Technician of the Year

(will compete for an Australian only Award)

• Jarred Bourke, LandHQ, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
• Mitchell Channer, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
• Andrew James, RDO Equipment, Richlands, Queensland
• Sarah Lewis, Brandt, Terang, Victoria
• Kaylyn-Rose Netrval, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Construction & Forestry Technician of the Year

(will also compete against two New Zealand finalists for a combined Australian/New Zealand Award)

• Hayden Cox, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
• Mark Muller, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales

Service Apprentice of the Year

(will also compete against two New Zealand finalists for a combined Australian/New Zealand Award)

• Salvatore Bettio, Hutcheon & Pearce, Albury North, New South Wales
• James Clarkson, AFGRI Equipment, Gnowangerup, Western Australia
• Darcy Miller, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
• Aaron Roberts, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria

Parts Apprentice of the Year

(will also compete against one New Zealand finalist for a combined Australian/New Zealand Award)

• Poppy Blohm, AFGRI Equipment, Narrogin, Western Australia
• Lauren Cortes, RDO Equipment, Dalby, Queensland
• Belinda Gade, Emmetts, Renmark, South Australia
• Matthew Giuntini, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
• Kym Thorne, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland

RDO EQUIPMENT FINALIST BIOGRAPHIES

AGRICULTURE & TURF SERVICE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Vincent Powditch has been a whisky taster, a security guard for pop icon Taylor Swift, and mechanically, has worked on everything from golf buggies to luxury yachts. He says the day he met his first John Deere, he was intrigued and impressed with the technology, and jumped at the chance when a position came up at RDO Equipment in Taree.

While he’s had an eclectic career, his proudest moments are watching his apprentices graduate and getting farmers working again. Vincent loves working with the big John Deere equipment and has a deep interest in fast moving technology, fascinated by the way space and satellite technology is translated into systems for everyday use. He says working on one of the best brands in the world and being supported by a world-renowned company is something he truly values and for those considering a career as a tech, Vincent’s advice is to ensure you have ‘passion, patience and a love of all things that go vroom!’.

PARTS TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Andrew James, RDO Equipment, Richlands, Queensland

Before starting as a parts technician at the John Deere RDO Equipment dealership in Richlands, Andrew James had managed retail department stores and been a retail manager within the automotive parts industry. His strong interest in automotive and mechanical applications meant he comfortably made the transition to providing parts advice for customers and working with John Deere equipment.

Primarily supporting customers in the construction industry, Andrew says he has developed an extensive knowledge of John Deere products and is proud of his career progression in the two years since his career change. He enjoys the challenge and diversity of the role and relies on his excellent problem-solving skills to find solutions for his customers.

Kaylyn-Rose Netrval, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Kaylyn-Rose Netrval joined RDO Equipment in 2020, and despite having no previous background with farming equipment, she quickly applied herself to learning and completed her apprenticeship two years earlier than expected. Becoming a fully qualified John Deere Parts Technician in March this year, she is well on her way to establishing herself as one of the best in her field.

Kaylyn-Rose is the first to confess when she started her career, she knew little about tractors and mowers, however she’s now developed an extensive knowledge of John Deere products which she uses daily, sourcing and securing parts for customers. As someone who strives for greatness, Kaylyn-Rose’s approach with each customer is the same – whether they are seeking parts for a ride-on mower or for a combine harvester during harvest season. She recognises everyone deserves the best of service, which gives her immense job satisfaction, knowing she is contributing to solving problems that have a big impact for customers.

As a parts apprentice finalist last year, Kaylyn-Rose is excited to make the finalists line-up as a qualified technician in 2023 and is hoping to make herself and her branch proud.

CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Hayden Cox, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales

Qualified Construction and Forestry John Deere Technician, Hayden Cox, has always been captivated by machinery and as a young boy, he would often find himself pulling things apart to determine how they worked. His enthusiasm for machinery continued throughout his adolescence, completing work experience at various mechanic workshops. Pursuing his passion, Hayden started his apprenticeship after completing Year 12 and moved to RDO Equipment in his third year, where he has been working on John Deere machines since. Hayden is proud to support the construction industry – a sector he believes is a cornerstone of the Australian economy.

A high achiever, Hayden has also completed his Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology and Certificate II in Automotive Air-Conditioning. During his day-to-day work, he strives to exceed expectations and works hard to build strong relationships with customers, which has earned him an excellent reputation with both colleagues and customers. He enjoys that every day on the job is different, providing him with variety and opportunity to work on a large range of machinery.

Mark Muller, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales

Mark Muller has always had an interest in mechanics and machinery, and at sixteen began his career through a forklift mechanic apprenticeship. After 15 years, he craved a challenge and almost two years ago successfully transitioned to become a John Deere Construction and Forestry Technician at RDO Equipment. Mark is proud his work provides support to the construction industry and believes the sector plays an important role in strengthening Australia’s economy.

Mark is a proficient technician dedicated to driving his own professional development, through completing additional training provided through John Deere and his dealership. He is known for his exceptional customer service skills and understands that every customer requires a different approach. He takes time to precisely listen to his customers’ needs and uses every tool available to ensure he provides the highest quality service.

PARTS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Lauren Cortes, RDO Equipment, Dalby, Queensland

Third-year John Deere Parts Apprentice, Lauren Cortes, has always had an interest in the agricultural industry. In high school she completed an Agricultural Futures program which opened her eyes to the various pathways the industry offers. Determined to build a career in the farm sector, she gained experience in a wide variety of jobs, including working as a jillaroo on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, and as a pen rider in a feedlot in Queensland.

During these experiences Lauren witnessed the integral role John Deere equipment played in farming businesses, which inspired her to apply for an apprenticeship with RDO Equipment in Dalby. Now in her final year, she has developed an extensive knowledge of John Deere products, and is well on her way to building a long and successful career in the industry. Lauren is excited to be a returning finalist in 2023 and is proud to represent the John Deere brand and her branch.

Matthew Giuntini, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales

While he started his working life in a local automotive retail store, Matthew Giuntini always had a strong desire to work in the construction and earthmoving industry and took his first step towards this goal when he commenced work with RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, in March 2020. Three years on, Matthew has progressed his career to now being in his first year as a Parts Technician apprentice. He loves the variety of John Deere equipment he gets to work with on a daily basis, which can range from mini excavators to large graders and loaders.

With a knack for problem solving, he embraces the daily challenges of his role and works hard to find solutions for his customer base. Matthew is excited to have earned a finalist spot in this year’s Technician Awards and is proud to represent his branch and the John Deere brand.

Kym Thorne, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland

Growing up on her family’s cattle property in Dingo, Central Queensland, Kym Thorne always had an interest in machinery and learning how various components work. From a young age, her mechanic father started showing her the ropes and how to repair equipment, while having a 5403 John Deere tractor on the farm showed her the positive impact reliable machinery could have on an agricultural business.

A love for mechanics and desire to support farmers meant becoming a John Deere Parts Apprentice was the ideal career for Kym. The second-year apprentice has been at the RDO Equipment John Deere dealership in Toowoomba since September 2021 and says she feels fortunate to work on a variety of machinery in her day-to-day role of sourcing and equipping farmers with parts.