Jerman Scholarship: Lewys Jones

Lewys Jones, 20 from North Wales, is a third year FdSc Agriculture with Mechanisation student and recipient of The Jerman Scholarship.

“I believe, to survive in the present agricultural industry; there is a need to diversify from small family farm businesses in the rural communities of North Wales. There is a need for a local service for farmers, for technicians to be able to travel around farms, be accessible, and have knowledge of the area and in the use of particular machinery for the land. This would reduce the costs of repairing and maintaining agricultural machinery for the farming community without the need to employ mechanics from larger further afield companies.

“I am fortunate to have the support from my family and local community, in supporting this venture of working as a self-employed, fully equipped agricultural engineer technician.

“Thanks to the Jerman Scholarship, I am able to fund my enrolment and attendance at a local college to undertake a welding course, which is a crucial skill to be able to be as self-sufficient as possible and would help me achieve my aspirations.

“I would like to be given this opportunity publicly to thank the scholarship and the representative for the award; it means a lot and I am honoured to have been selected for this award.

“I chose to study Agriculture with Mechanisation at Harper Adams University, as I have a strong arable family farming background with an interest in agricultural machinery and I am keen to learn about farm machinery and their maintenance.

“I have experience of working in various agricultural working environments, a modern agricultural contracting business, and working as an agricultural mechanic at a dealership company. I am used to busy harvesting seasons with good tractor and telehandler driving skills and am eager to work independently as an agricultural technician.

“When I am not studying, I enjoy playing football for Harper Adams University, and at Welsh Premier level. I also enjoy other various sports and have been known to lead a group of skiers astray on the slopes as a wannabe skiing guide.”