Agri engineers: what does the future hold?
29.07.11 - precision screwdriver sets
Features like GPS autosteer, electronic spool valves, power-boost technology and stepless transmissions are becoming standard and some high-end tractors now sport 17 on-board computers.
The problem is that training providers simply cannot keep up with the pace of change, meaning students are graduating without the skills required by tractor manufacturers. In fact the gap has become so great that manufacturers have had to set up their own apprenticeships and training programmes to ensure sufficiently skilled labour.
At the same time, the availability of agricultural engineering courses is dwindling. Already one of the most expensive courses to run, the cost of new technology and tight budgets mean many colleges have cut their losses and axed their courses.
Others are operating on a shoestring, keeping a couple of old tractors to teach the basics of farm mechanics.
Either way, the industry is facing a difficult future. Unless something changes, say some of those in the sector, in a few years farmers could have state-of-the-art equipment standing broken in a field because there will not be enough qualified engineers to fix it.
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