TECHNICIANS OF THE YEAR NAMED

We Are Land-based Engineering, which is run by the Land-based Engineering - Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC Ltd), has announced the winners of the Land-based Engineering Technician of the Year Award 2025.

The organisers say this award recognises the next generation of engineering talent driving innovation and excellence across the land-based sector in the UK. With record-breaking entries received, technicians across the country were nominated by their peers, colleagues, employers and lecturers to this year’s awards, answering questions set by the We Are Land-based Engineering panel.

1st Place -

Alfie Holstead (pictured above), representing Grimme UK, has been awarded 1st place. Nominated by his lecturer at Reaseheath College, Alfie stood out for his exceptional technical ability, dedication to continuous learning, and passion for agricultural engineering. His achievement highlights the vital role of apprenticeships and education in shaping the future of the industry. Alfie was awarded a Kubota Tool Box as his prize. Alfie commented, "I was already over the moon to hear I’d won 1st place, but to find out what my prize was, it’s incredible. Thank you to those involved in the judging process and to Kubota UK for the prize”.

2nd Place -

Taking 2nd place is Joe Sweetmore of B&B Tractors, whose nomination came from his service manager. Joe impressed the judges with his level of hands-on expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and commitment to delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Joe was awarded a Makita UK Radio for coming second place.

3rd Place -

3rd place was awarded to Anna Welland of Rea Valley Tractors, nominated by her lecturer at Writtle College. Anna’s strong academic performance, practical aptitude, and enthusiasm for the sector made her a standout candidate and a role model for aspiring technicians. Anna received a Makita UK Tool Kit for coming third in the competition, this will be invaluable to her career moving forward.

Charlie Nicklin, CEO of Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) said, “As judges it was a challenge to get to our three winners from the fantastic array of entries we had this year. The three technicians chosen are a credit to their employers and have individually shone through for a variety of reasons, including technical ability, commitment and passion in their roles. They are all great ambassadors for our industry and will hopefully inspire others going forward”.

Gareth Ford of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) added, “These three outstanding technicians showcase the skills, talent, and dedication that our industry has to offer. Their achievements reflect the strength of our training providers, employers, and the wider land-based engineering community.”

Nick Darking, general manager of BAGMA, concluded, "The calibre of the entrants we saw in this year’s Land-Based Engineering Technician of the Year was outstanding, filling myself and my fellow competition judges with pride and optimism for the new talent emerging across the board.”