Q.
What was it that made you decide you wanted to be an agricultural engineer?
A.
My father is a farmer and I have spent my life being involved with agricultural
machinery. I was always tinkering around in the workshop putting things together
or, more commonly, taking them to bits.
Q.
How did you get your job with JE Buckle Engineers?
A.
There was a vacancy and I applied. I had to convince the company that I really
wanted to do it. They clearly did not want anyone who was not going to be interested
in the work. Q.
What is your favourite job?
A.
It's working on tractors. I enjoy all aspects of tractor repair work - engines
in particular. You can't beat the feeling you get when see a tractor working again
after you've fixed it. Q.
What is the job you dislike most?
A.
Sometimes when it's late in the evening, pouring with rain and I'm stuck under
a machine covered in mud I wonder why I do it but it soon passes. You take the
good with the bad. Q.
What do you see as being the biggest challenge of your work?
A.
I have to always remember I am dealing with customers and realise that when their
machines are not working they could be losing money. I have to understand their
needs - and that can be a challenge when they are getting impatient. Q.
So, what is it you particularly enjoy about your job?
A.
It's the freedom and the variation. The ability to drive from farm to farm in
my company van solving mechanical problems. I could spend the morning on a farm
at Bedford fixing a tractor and then go 20 miles down the road to sort out a lawnmower
for a customer. Q.
Do you need to spend time on courses?
A.
I suppose on average I am asked to attend about four courses a year when John
Deere launches new kit or introduces updates to existing machinery. They're interesting
and also give me a chance to meet up with friends who were on the same course
at Brooksby with me.
Q. You've been with Buckle Engineers now for five years. Where do you see yourself
in the next five years?
A.
My ambition at the moment is to progress to becoming Service Manager - taking
charge of the whole workshop and the jobs we do outside on the farms. It is a
job I would really like and I should think in five years I should be capable of
doing it. Q.
Are you still convinced you made the right decision to become an agricultural
engineer?
A Oh yes.
It's a good life with good prospects and I wouldn't change any of it | 
