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    Young engineers lead the way to international showcase

    Posted 12 December 2013

    I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to see the up-and-coming new technologies within the Agricultural Engineering sector, of which there are many, combined with the opportunities to speak with potential employers and gather contacts for the future."

    Robert Pickavance, Edward Worts, Finlay Whitehead and Cormac Flaherty.

    Four Harper Adams students took the lead in a recent group tour that saw 42 young engineers travel to Germany to take part in an international networking event that should help them progress their careers. 

    Edward Worts, from Powys, Wales; Cormac Flaherty from Co. Meath, Ireland; Robert Pickavance, from Ormskirk, Lancashire and Finlay Whitehead, from Ashburton, Devon, masterminded the trip to Hanover for biannual showcase event Agritechnica.

    Edward, 22, from Disserth, is a final year BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering student at Shropshire’s only university. He said: “The majority of us were agricultural engineering and off-road vehicle design students. We were at the show for two-and-a-half days, throughout which time we acted as ambassadors for Harper Adams University. We wore shirts under our course gilets and were rewarded with comments from company representatives, saying how professional we all looked and acted while networking throughout the 30 vast halls housing the latest in agricultural machinery and technology. 

    “We all wanted to make a good impression on the manufacturers, with the hope of securing either placement opportunities or graduate jobs within these organisations.”

    Finlay, 22, who is on the MEng Agricultural Engineering course, added: “I was excited to be able to be part of the organising group. Between the four of us, with help from Harper Adams staff, we arranged transport, accommodation, tickets and gilets for a group of 42 students and two lecturers. It was quite an undertaking and was a little while in the making but it was well worth the effort.  

    “I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to see the up-and-coming new technologies within the Agricultural Engineering sector, of which there are many, combined with the opportunities to speak with potential employers and gather contacts for the future.  The show was an eye-opening and intriguing compilation of equipment from tractors and combines through to grain-handling systems, forestry and engineering components, with something for everyone.  

    “The trip allowed us as, Harper Adams students, to promote the University as a key Agricultural Engineering establishment.”

    Cormac, 21 from Kilmessan, said: "I had heard a lot about Agritechnica during my placement year and since the day I looked at the website I have wanted to go, to both see the latest developments in Agricultural Engineering and also meet with potential future employers. 

    “The show did not disappoint in the slightest, with all the latest technologies from brands from all over the world on show. Some of the areas that were of most interest were the developments in robotic technology and the vast variety of companies manufacturing equipment throughout the world. 

    “The tour also allowed me to gather some information for my dissertation which I am sure will be greatly beneficial,” added the BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering student. 

    Robert, 22, and a BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering student, added that everyone who attended Agritechnica wanted to thank sponsors Douglas Bomford Trust, HUSCO international and the Harper Adams University Engineering Department for their support in making the tour possible. 

     

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