The Best Of The Best: H&P Technicians Do Us Proud At Jd Awards

Three of our own were named among the best and brightest in Australia and New Zealand in the inaugural John Deere Technician awards – congratulations Mackenzie, Gus and Callum!

Launching in 2021, the John Deere Technician Awards champion the hard work and expertise technicians provide to customers and recognise the skill and dedication of high-performing techs.

We couldn’t be prouder of our fourth-year Apprentice Technician, Mackenzie Riddle, who took out the Service Apprentice of the Year Award, and Andrew “Gus” Guthrie and Callum Campbell who were named finalists in the Parts Technician and Parts Apprentice of the Year categories, respectively.

Technicians were nominated by their dealerships with input from customers, and were judged on their mechanical and technical expertise, their previous accomplishments and their performance in a series of aptitude tests.

John Deere representatives described awards applicants as an “enormous pool of talent” and for Mackenzie, it made the win hard to believe.

“This award covers both Australia and New Zealand, so I was genuinely not expecting to hear my name called. I was stoked to be selected as the regional representative for NSW/ACT and to make it as a finalist, let alone win. It’s an absolute honour and a confidence boost and means moving two hours away from home to start my apprenticeship with H&P has paid off.”

Callum was equally shocked to be acknowledged for something that’s “all in a day’s work”.

“It was an amazing feeling to make it as far as I did because I just saw it as part of my everyday job. The award means a great deal and has made me realise how far I’ve come since I started.”

For Gus, who has been with H&P for 20 years, being nominated was both humbling and inspiring.

“Even though I didn’t take out the award, it was quite humbling to even represent H&P. To be recognised as a finalist was exciting but, if I can, I’d love another crack at the title next year!”

Gus’s passion to do better comes as no surprise to H&P Human Resources Manager Sarah Johnson, who said the awards should be a great source of pride for the trio, and the entire H&P team.

“Our technicians are so committed to what they do for our customers. They put in big hours to keep our customers running, to help keep food on the table, clothes on our backs, and it’s fitting that they are recognised for their achievements. I’m really proud of what they’ve achieved.

“For Hutcheon & Pearce, being the best of the best is what we set out to do. It’s the tagline for our apprenticeship program and we strive to find and develop the best employees to provide the best possible support and service for our customers. These awards are also recognition of that collective effort.”

Meet Mackenzie Riddle: 2021 John Deere Service Apprentice of the Year Australia/NZ

Growing up on a farm in Culcairn, Mackenzie admired the green machines almost as much he did the H&P techs that looked after them. So, when the day came that he would finally get a shot at a TOPGUN apprenticeship, he gave it everything he could and has been giving it his all ever since. Mackenzie took up his apprenticeship at the Temora Branch and now his day-to-day work is predominantly supporting broadacre farmers across the Temora region.

“I really love travelling the countryside and just being in the field and talking to customers. It’s really interesting seeing what each one does differently with their farming practices and the technology, and it’s so rewarding to see them adapting and benefitting from our help.

“We get a lot of support and training in the TOPGUN program – not just from the team, but also the support from my manager, his manager and even Arron (Managing Director, Arron Hutcheon) is unreal. Hutchies has such a great reputation for supporting our customers and I have been given a lot more responsibilities since my third year and the chance to really grow as a technician. I plan on hanging around.

“If you’re considering joining TOPGUN, take the opportunity – it’s one you definitely can’t pass up.”

Meet Andrew ‘Gus’ Guthrie: 2021 John Deere Parts Technician finalist

Gus started a traineeship in Parts at H&P in 1999 with very little knowledge of the industry. Today he is our Albury Parts Manager and has a legendary knowledge of parts and technology, a thorough understanding of the Ag industry and deep respect for those that work in it.

“I love working over the counter and taking phone orders. Over the years, it has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of people in Ag. They are great people and hard workers so striving to meet their needs year in, year out is the best part of my job.

“It’s a great industry and business to work for. Whether you are in sales, parts or service, there are some great career opportunities if you are willing to work hard for it. I got a job not knowing a lot about the industry but with the support and training available, it’s made it a very enjoyable job and I look forward to expanding my knowledge in years to come.”

Meet Callum Campbell: 2021 John Deere Parts Apprentice of the Year finalist

Callum is a Spare Parts interpreter at our Finley Branch who qualified at the start of this year.

“I love working with the John Deere machines and products. I have grown up with them and know they’re an outstanding brand that excels in technology.

“The favourite part of my job would have to be farm visits and customer interaction. I love working to keep farmers going through the busiest times. I also work with a great bunch of people that come together as a team to keep our farmers running.

“I would highly recommend anyone coming out of school or people looking for a career change to think about a job in this industry.”