“I love interacting with customers. It's building my confidence”

Charlie Wahlandt’s journey into the agricultural machinery sector exemplifies how apprenticeships can launch a fulfilling and lifelong career. 

Charlie’s story, starting from a typical school careers day all the way to becoming a crop care specialist, is a testament to the value of learning while earning and the opportunities that apprenticeships unlock.

Discovering the path

Charlie Wahlandt is a recently qualified technician at Ben Burgess, a company specialising in agricultural machinery.

While Charlie had long loved the farming and growing industry, his route into the agricultural machinery industry began with a Level 3 land-based service agriculture technician apprenticeship. To qualify, Charlie needed five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. He discovered the opportunity during a school careers day, where a conversation with Ben Burgess staff sparked his interest. That initial interaction led to a job interview and ultimately, a place on the apprenticeship scheme.

Charlie’s motivation is clear. 

“I chose an apprenticeship purely because this was my dream job to work here. I’ve always wanted to work in the agricultural industry.”

His passion for the sector, combined with the appeal of earning while learning, made the apprenticeship route a natural fit.

Structure and experience

Charlie’s apprenticeship spanned three years and included on-the-job training and formal instruction. He spent time at the John Deere training centre in Nottingham, where he learned directly about the products he would be working on. Back at the Ben Burgess workshop, Charlie was mentored by an experienced technician, gaining practical skills and insights every day.

This dual approach – combining classroom learning with real-world experience – is a hallmark of apprenticeships. According to the UK Government’s apprenticeship portal, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours in off-the-job training, which includes classroom lessons, mentoring and industry visits. This structure ensures apprentices not only gain technical knowledge but also develop the soft skills needed to thrive in the workplace.

Personal growth and unexpected gains

One of the most striking aspects of Charlie’s journey is the personal growth he has experienced. 

He highlights customer interaction as the most enjoyable part of his apprenticeship.

“I love going out, interacting with customers, building up my own confidence, speaking to people… being in the sunshine and enjoying the job.”

Charlie was surprised by how much he gained in terms of communication skills. As a young person entering the workforce, he found that speaking to customers – whether face-to-face or over the phone – has helped him become more confident and articulate. These interpersonal skills are often overlooked in technical roles but are crucial for building trust and delivering excellent service.

Career progression

Upon completing his apprenticeship, Charlie transitioned into a crop care specialist role, focusing on sprayers and fertiliser spreaders. 

However, he still works across a range of machinery, including tractors and combines.

He says: “That’s the best part of this job! You get to work on everything, every different day!”

Ben Burgess offers multiple apprenticeship pathways, including parts, service, sales and precision agriculture. This diversity allows apprentices to explore different facets of the industry and find their niche. Charlie’s progression from apprentice to specialist demonstrates how apprenticeships can lead to meaningful career development and specialisation.

Why apprenticeships work

Charlie’s story aligns closely with the broader benefits of apprenticeships outlined by the UK Government. Apprenticeships are paid jobs that offer hands-on experience, formal training, and a nationally recognised qualification.

They are available to anyone over the age of 16 and are particularly valuable for those early in their career or looking to upskill.

Key benefits include:

• Earning while learning: Apprentices receive a wage and holiday leave while gaining qualifications
• Practical experience: Apprentices apply their learning directly in the workplace
• Career readiness: Apprenticeships build both technical and soft skills, preparing individuals for long-term employment
• Flexibility: Training can be delivered in various formats, including day release or block training

For industries like agriculture, where technology and machinery play a central role, apprenticeships offer a direct route into the workforce. They bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that new entrants are job-ready from day one.

Advice for aspiring technicians

Charlie is enthusiastic about encouraging others to follow in his footsteps. His advice is simple: “Definitely go for it, especially at a young age. Get through the apprenticeship scheme. It’s a really good job. You have a lot of fun here. Definitely well worth doing it!”

His experience shows that apprenticeships are not just a stepping stone – they really can be the foundation of a lifelong career. With the right support, training and mentorship, young people can thrive in the agricultural machinery industry and contribute meaningfully to the sector.

For those considering a future in farming, growing or agricultural engineering, apprenticeships offer a practical, supportive and effective route into the industry. As Charlie’s experience shows, they can set you up for life.