Today is International Women’s Day and here at Tuckwells we want to use it to showcase some of the fantastic women we have in our team! Agriculture and farming has traditionally been a male-dominated industry however there has been a huge 10% rise in women joining the sector so we have interviewed five of these women to ask their experience…
Alison – Agricultural Service Admin
What is your job title? What do you do in your job?
I am an Agricultural Service Admin. I am still in training but the role is to enhance the customer experience to make sure that they have the best servicing experience possible. With training, you will also be able to assist customers with how to best look after their machinery and equipment!
When did you know you wanted a career in agriculture?
I fell into it, previously I was a property manager but I lost my job due to covid. As agriculture is an industry that is not only still working, but growing, Tuckwell’s was able to offer me a role. Training to be an Agricultural Service Admin has given me the opportunity to grow and develop new skills as well as utilising the ones I had from working in other industries such as customer service and banking. I love how busy I am and how much I can learn on the job about farming and the vehicles.
What advice would you give to other women who would like a career in agriculture?
Farming appears to be male-dominated, however, it has been so friendly and welcoming. I feel everyone in Tuckwell brings something different to the workplace and now I am bringing my skills too. I would say everyone should feel welcome and excited about trying a career in agriculture and not be deterred by stereotypes. The customers are also great and have welcomed me to Tuckwell’s, they are always helping me learn new things. Tuckwell’s have also been so flexible helping me work around raising my children.
Jess – Used Machinery Coordinator
Ailsa – Digital Marketing Assistant
What is your job title? What do you do in your job?
I am a Digital Marketing Assistant. I look after and help create anything to do with Tuckwells online or on social media.
When did you know you wanted a career in agriculture?
I didn’t know I wanted a career in agriculture until I started at another local dealership. I had absolutely no experience in agriculture or turf but fell in love with the industry almost the first day I started. The longer I worked in agriculture the more I enjoyed learning about (and how to drive) some of the incredible tractors we sell. My favourite parts of the job became going to events, demos or out to farms to create content people wouldn’t usually see.
How did you get into your career? Did you go to uni/school/college/ apprenticeship?
I studied Society, Culture and Media UEA. It doesn’t necessarily sound like the ideal degree for my job but it taught me lots about digital media, how to define target markets, and how to create media. Everything else I learnt on the job, I threw myself into learning as much as I could about ag and turf through our very knowledgeable sales representatives, YouTube videos and events – but I still have a lot to learn.
What advice would you give to other women who would like a career in agriculture?
I would say step out of your comfort zone! As someone who has never worked in the industry, I was welcomed so quickly and enthusiastically and I always feel the Tuckwell’s are there to help me learn and be confident.
Izzy – Service Administrator
What is your job title? What do you do in your job?
Service Administrator at Worlingworth. I assist the service manager with daily tasks for example answering phone calls and organisng the engineers. I also do the ‘paperwork’ – invoicing, booking and processing the jobs for the workshop amoungst other tasks.When did you know you wanted a career in agriculture?
I didnt know I wanted to get into the agircultural industry until I was in my early 20s. My grandfather was a farmer so I have always been around farming but not worked in it until my current role.How did you get into your career? Did you go to uni/school/college/ apprenticeship?
I went to university but didn’t study agriculture. I saw this job advertised and went for it! I think my grandfather would be pleased it’s a John Deere Dealer as that is what he always had on the farm.What advise would you give to other women who would like a career in agriculture?
Give as good as you get!
Julie – Group HR Manager
What is your job title? What do you do in your job?
Group HR Manager – looking after HR across the Tuckwell Group
When did you know you wanted a career in agriculture?
My family’s business was in agriculture, and at first, it was not my intention to come into the business. I had just finished A levels at college but was not sure of my next move. My Dad asked me to come over to work and help with the stocktaking – and I never left!
How did you get into your career? Did you go to uni/school/college/ apprenticeship?
Mostly I have learnt on the job. I spent some time in the parts department and then moved on to helping out my Mum on the administration and finance side, where I really enjoyed learning the Ibcos Gold business system and testing new programmes for them. I took over the Sales administration process and later on became a director of the company when I was 27 – playing an active role in the management of the business alongside my 2 brothers. I also gained experience with IT, Payroll and HR. In 2012 we sold out to Tuckwells and I assisted with integrating our businesses and systems. In 2016 Tuckwells gave me the exciting opportunity to take over the HR administration for the group and we are continuing to develop this department today.
Do it! There are lots of fantastic opportunities for a varied career in a progressive and fun industry where you can really feel you are making a difference. You don’t need to have a farming background or an interest in farming – just a keenness to learn and adapt.
