Skills Competition Success for Land Based Engineering Apprentices

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Level 2 and Level 3 Land Based Engineering Apprenticeship students recently tested their skills in a competition at SERC’s Lisburn campus. 

During the competition, students performed tasks that an agricultural tractor and machinery repair technician would perform daily, including engine diagnostics, measurement and repair, as well as electrics, bench fitting and welding.   

Podium positions were awarded to:  

• David Walker (18), Scarva, a SERC Level 3 Apprentice from GA Allen Machinery Banbridge, who won first place. 
• Ben Steele (17), Greyabbey, a SERC Level 2 Apprentice from Ballyrush Engineering in Ballygowan, who won second place. 
• Josh McKenzie (20), Belfast, a SERC Level 2 Apprentice from RD Mechanical in Mallusk, who won third place. 

The competition was supported by the supply of merchandise and prizes by the following companies who are main dealers for multiple brands of agricultural machinery and tractors across Northern Ireland. A special thanks to: 

• Jonston Gilpen and Co., Lisburn. 
• R Kennedy and Co., Ballynahinch. 
• GA Allen Deutz, Banbridge. 
• Hunter Kane and Son, Ballycastle. 

Simon Toman, SERC Lecturer in Land Based Engineering, comments, "All the students who participated in the competition are currently working in the Land Based Engineering industry gaining valuable experience, which shined through during the competition. The students demonstrated their ability and competence in all the assessed areas, and they all agreed that it was a great learning experience. The students and staff would like to thank the agricultural machinery dealers and employers who support and work with SERC in partnership to provide Land Based Engineering Apprentices to the trade.”   

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