In honour of National Careers Week, we chatted to three Tuckwells employees at different stages of their careers, about where their journeys started and how they found themselves in the agricultural sector.
Jack Ramsey – Service Technician Apprentice
How did you get into working with agricultural machinery?
“I got into agriculture through my dad. We have a small holding back home, so I’ve always been into the ways of farming and machinery. I’ve been fascinated by how my dad would use the machines and how he would repair them. If something ever broke I’d always tell my dad that I’d fix it even if I had no clue at the time! I’d just work it out. Thanks to my upbringing, I knew it would be a career I’d want to do in the future.”
Is it something you’ve always been interested in?
“Yes, I’ve always loved machines, my mum and dad can vouch for that! I’ve grown up around farm machinery and attending shows, so it’s always something I’d want to do being. I enjoy a more hands on and practical job!”
Where did you start your career?
“I started off working on a golf course operating the machines, and then moved to a council repairing ride on mowers, small tractors and gators but I alway knew I wanted to work on the bigger machines. I had to try my luck with getting my dream job and Tuckwells gave me that opportunity.”
How long have you been working in the industry?
“I’ve been in the Ag industry for 4 years, but in the world of fixing machines for 6 years.”
How long have you been working with Tuckwells?
“I started with Tuckwells in October 2018.”
Phil Hannah – Group Aftersales Manager
How did you get into working with agriculture/machinery?
“Living and growing up on a farm, I only ever wanted to be a farmer. When I was at school I tried work experience in a Vets, and Forestry, but neither were for me. After my A Levels, I was chatting with my father and I said I wanted to work on a farm too, he said to get a qualification in something else first, then see, so I approached our local JD dealer JE Buckle who said JD had just started their own apprenticeship program (1992) and I could join. I have never looked back; I’ve had great opportunities, visited some amazing places and had the pleasure to meet some incredible people on the journey so far.”
Is it something you’ve always been interested in?
“My Grandfather was a vehicle mechanic, and when I was living on the farm, I was fascinated in how things work and taking things apart.”
Where did you start your career?
“1993 at JE Buckles, who were then acquired in 2012 by Tuckwells.”
How long have you been working in the industry?
“30 years this July!”
How long have you been working with Tuckwells?
“30 years.”
Olwyn Poulson – Chief Operations Officer
How did you get into working with technologies/IT?
“I worked on machinery and electronic systems, and with some of the first computers in the eighties.”
Is it something you’ve always been interested in?
“Yes, it comes from an interest in physics from an early age.”
Where did you start your career?
“At a company called Blyth and Pawsey, it was very similar to Tuckwells, dealing with John Deere products. The company was bought by Tuckwells in 2001.”
How long have you been working in the industry?
“Since August 1975.”
How long have you been working with Tuckwells?
“Since October 2001.”
