NEWS RELEASE 12 September, 2025
Mentors Behind the Machines Are Driving the Next Generation of Talent
Crestmead, Queensland (12 September, 2025) — While they may be thousands of kilometres apart, John Deere Service Technician, Brad Skinner, and Parts Manager, Kirsten Rush, share more than working with the same brand – they also share an enthusiasm for mentoring younger colleagues into a rewarding career in agriculture that keeps farmers moving.
From starting his apprenticeship in 2018 at AFGRI Equipment's branch in Esperance, WA, to becoming Australia's John Deere Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year last year, Brad Skinner knows the value of hands-on learning in his diverse role and has been keen to pass on his knowledge to the new intakes of apprentices.
"It doesn't seem that long ago that I was sitting there as a first-year apprentice and now I am taking them through the process of what they can expect in their role and the exciting career paths they can take once they're qualified," Brad said.
"Often, apprentices think they will just be sweeping floors in their first year, but there's so much more to it and I love telling them about the variety of work they can expect as a technician.
"From working on tractors in the morning to headers and sprayers in the afternoon, and then looking at software or hydraulics faults, you're certainly never fixed to just one job or location."
On the other side of the country, Kirsten Rush has grown her career over the past eight years at Brandt's branch in Ballarat, Vic. Starting as receptionist in 2017 with no agricultural expertise, she has worked her way up to being the Parts Manager, a role she was promoted into one week before winning the Australian John Deere Parts Technician of the Year in September last year.
With millions of parts available across the whole range of John Deere equipment, Kirsten said she has had a rewarding career and appreciates the importance of providing timely and accurate support to keep farmers operational.
"I have been fortunate to share my career journey with a range of students through school visits to the branch and at field days, where I've discovered that many people don't realise being a Parts Interpreter is a career option.
"I think they take inspiration when they hear how I started my work life in a completely different field, and how I've made a successful and fulfilling career in parts.
"For some kids who come from farms, they are aware of roles such as agronomy, or even being a service tech, so it's cool to share my experience with them."
At one particular field day, Kirsten's casual chat with a TAFE teacher resulted in parts interpretation being included into their curriculum for the Certificate in Agriculture, a course which provides insights into industry for years 9-12 students and sets them up to be job ready when they leave school. This initiative introduces students to a career pathway in machinery parts that combines technical knowledge, customer service and problem solving to minimise farmers' downtime in the field.
"The local TAFE has some John Deere tractors, and after our conversation, I gave the teacher some training in using the John Deere website to find parts, and now they have incorporated parts into the program, so I am really stoked about that," Kirsten said.
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School-based apprentice, Mackenzie Squires and Parts Interpreter, Tanisha Sevenich have received valuable mentoring from Parts Manager, Kirsten Rush.
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AFGRI Esperance branch apprentices Marco Vincent, Jonathon Mason, Tyler Coates have appreciated the guidance from Service Technician, Brad Skinner.
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Tanisha Sevenich is following in Kirsten Rush’s footsteps and will compete in this year’s John Deere Technician of the Year Awards.
Rewarding careers in rural and regional locations
John Deere and its dealerships invest heavily in training and development, ensuring technicians are highly skilled in supporting customers, while building rewarding careers often unmatched in rural and regional locations.
After completing his automotive electrical trade to complement his existing skills, Brad is a strong advocate for seizing these opportunities to become a better technician.
"I am always preaching to apprentices that they have an amazing number of pathways and it's up to them to choose which one to take," he said.
"There are so many courses and opportunities to upgrade your skills, and I have even been able to visit some of the John Deere factories in the United States as part of my professional development."
It's a sentiment echoed by Kirsten, who has appreciated the support and training courses offered to her throughout her career.
"I've completed all my courses online with John Deere University and in person at their head office in Brisbane, and am now studying a Bachelor of Business externally, which has been strongly encouraged by my management team," she said.
"My dealership has really helped me grow as a leader and has always supported me.
"Apart from what I have already achieved, there are so many choices for my career in the future, whether that's at the branch, in our head office, or out in the field."
Passing on experience to finalists
As the John Deere Technician of the Year Award finalists prepare to head to Brisbane for final testing in mid-September, Kirsten and Brad are passing on their experience to teammates vying for this year's honours.
"Tanisha Sevenich in my team is a finalist this year, and I've strongly encouraged her throughout the process," Kirsten said.
"She's followed a similar journey to me, so it's exciting to have her follow in my footsteps and watch her flourish during the process."
Over in Western Australia, several staff from AFGRI Equipment have reached the finals for various awards, and while there are none from Brad's Esperance branch, he's been mentoring Albany-based Daniel Popovici.
"I've had some phone calls with Dan, and it's been really good to share my experience about the program so he has a bit more of an understanding of what to expect over the few days," he said.
"In all my conversations with our apprentices, I'm always encouraging them to get involved in the Tech Awards if there's an opportunity. It's not just about winning, it's about the process of being involved, pushing yourself and meeting so many great people along the way."
About the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards
The 2025 John Deere Technician of the Year Award Winners will be announced on Thursday 18 September. Established in 2021, the prestigious awards champion the important contribution John Deere technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries, and honour the outstanding service and support highly skilled and committed techs make to the lives and businesses of John Deere's valued customers.
How to become a John Deere Technician
John Deere technicians work in dealerships located across Australia and New Zealand providing back-up support and technical expertise to the agriculture, turf, construction and forestry industries. There are many career pathways and progression opportunities, and ongoing training and support in John Deere equipment. Visit the John Deere website for more information: Dealership Opportunities | John Deere AU
ABOUT JOHN DEERE:
It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fibre, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plough. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.
For more information, visit Deere & Company at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
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