New Holland unveils 2025 Apprentice program to combat skills shortages

In Australia, New Holland, a prominent brand under CNH, launched its 2025 Apprentice program aimed at transforming the agricultural career landscape. The program is geared towards recognizing and developing the contributions of apprentices within the industry. The initiative is designed to generate interest among young individuals by presenting agriculture as a dynamic, technology-driven field, thereby dispelling the outdated notion that agricultural professions are low-tech and limited in opportunity. Gary Pertot, the National Parts and Service Manager for CNH ANZ, emphasized the importance of training programs that enable apprentices to become fully productive agricultural technicians in just two years. The Apprentice of the Year program is positioned as a contemporary alternative to traditional trade apprenticeships, significantly reducing the timeframe required for apprentices to gain advanced technical skills. Gary Pertot pointed out that the comprehensive training experience not only equips participants with essential skills but also helps in building professional networks and creating future opportunities in the agricultural sector. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the skills shortages that the industry is currently facing by making agricultural careers appealing to the younger generation. One of the exciting aspects of the program is its connection with high-tech environments, such as Supercar motorsports. Pertot elaborated on the precision engineering and advanced analytics that are integral to both fields, suggesting that agriculture today relies on equally sophisticated machinery and technology. By linking agricultural training with thrilling motorsport experiences, potential apprentices are given a compelling glimpse into the innovative, high-performance aspects of modern agriculture. This strategy aims to motivate young people by showcasing agriculture as an inspiring career choice full of technological challenges. Overall, New Holland's commitment to fostering skilled workers reflects an urgent need to reshape public perceptions of the agricultural industry, emphasizing its progressive nature. With this initiative, the company seeks not only to nurture talent but also to ensure that the agricultural sector continues to thrive amid advances in technology and shifts in workforce demands.