New Holland joins NFF female mentorship program

New Holland has recently joined the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) diversity mentorship program to support rural Australian women and their crucial role in shaping the future of the agriculture sector.

In doing so, New Holland has committed to setting a standard of gender diversity across the industry, in line with the NFF’s goal of doubling the number of women in agriculture’s leadership positions by 2030.

As a key sponsor and mentorship provider, New Holland mentors will be matched with successful applicants to support their leadership goals and become changemakers within their communities.

New Holland strongly believes in diversity in the sector and its own workforce, and has been supporting gender diversity in talent attraction across its dealer network through its own Apprentice and Technician Program, which has seen a number of women launch their careers across the dealership network.

One inspiring female role model in the New Holland network is Morgan English, who has excelled in her role as a first-year mechanical apprentice at New Holland’s Double R Equipment dealership in Tamworth, New South Wales.

At 17 years old, Morgan joined the team 18 months ago, and most recently moved into her apprenticeship after completing two weeks of work experience with the team through the PCYC’s Fit for Work Program.

“I was first introduced to the industry by my grandfather who was a mechanic and my dad, who used to work on cars on weekends. That’s how I knew I wanted to pursue a career in agricultural machinery,” she said.

“I was attracted to working in an industry where no two days are ever the same. There’s a different job to look forward to every day, from helping the qualified mechanics fix tractors, balers, and skid steers, to pre-delivering new machines for customers.

“Being the only female within the workshop, I had an underlying feeling that I was seen differently due to my strength and physical size, but I’ve overcome this by taking a creative approach to mastering tasks – like if a bolt is too tight, I will use a bar to help leverage my weight or ask for help.”

Morgan also believes ensuring gender diversity should go hand in hand with hiring high-calibre talent.

“While it’s important to have diversity, I want to work alongside the best of the trade, regardless of whether they are male or female,” she said.

“My younger self would be proud that I’ve taken life on the chin and have kept going!”

Sam Miles, Branch Manager of Double R Equipment in Tamworth, said diversity is key, and the success of the business is all about the people.

“We want the right mix of the right people in our business, and having a diverse workforce is key to creating a great culture while fulfilling our customers’ needs,” he said.

“I put my confidence in the team to complete a job to the best of their ability, no matter their gender.

“Morgan is an invaluable part of our team and has grown as an individual during her time in the workshop, displaying her desire to learn. I’m proud of Morgan’s achievements in her short time with us and pleased she took a chance to join our team. I am confident that she will achieve the great things I know she is capable of.”

Bruce Healy, New Holland’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said the company is proud to be a part of the strength behind a more diverse and inclusive industry.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program with the NFF, working to increase the representation of women in leadership within agriculture,” he said.

“The program will provide advisors from our organisation who will support these participants to grow their agricultural careers.

“We recognise the role women in agriculture, such as Morgan, play in our operations and are proud to promote such an important opportunity, while also aiming to attract new talent through our own initiatives such as the Apprentice and Technician Program.

“We are very proud of the hardworking women in our network and our emerging talent, and we’re eager to see them excel in the bright future that’s ahead for agriculture.”

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