Georgia educator Ben Brand receives AGCO's inaugural award for helping students develop hands-on agricultural mechanics and technology skills.
The agricultural equipment industry depends on skilled technicians who can work on increasingly sophisticated farm machinery, and AGCO is recognizing one educator helping students prepare for those careers.
AGCO has named Ben Brand of Social Circle High School in Social Circle, Georgia, the inaugural Agricultural Mechanics Teacher of the Year.
The new AGCO-sponsored award recognizes educators preparing students for careers in agricultural mechanics and agricultural technology.
Brand has spent more than 20 years teaching agricultural mechanics. His students receive hands-on instruction in welding, fabrication, small-engine repair, electrical systems, construction and agricultural equipment operation.
The program also emphasizes shop safety, industry-recognized credentials and connections to internships and skilled-trades careers.
For students considering careers beyond a traditional four-year college route, agricultural mechanics programs can create a pathway toward the technical skills required by farms, equipment dealerships and other agricultural businesses.
Turning the classroom into career preparation
Brand's approach extends beyond teaching technical skills in the shop.
Students in his program earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour certifications, compete in agricultural mechanics events and build connections with local employers and technical colleges.
Brand also serves as advisor to the Social Circle High School FFA chapter and is the school's current Teacher of the Year.
That combination of classroom education, practical skills and industry connections reflects the broader purpose behind AGCO's new award.
“Agricultural mechanics teachers help students build the technical skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities our industry needs,” said Ash Alt, Manager, Aftersales Technical Training at AGCO.
Alt said recognizing educators such as Brand reflects AGCO's commitment to the people and programs preparing the next generation of agricultural technicians and leaders.
Agricultural mechanics puts practical skills to work
Agricultural mechanics covers a wide range of skills that connect directly with modern farming and agricultural equipment.
In Brand's classroom, that includes everything from fabrication and welding to electrical systems and equipment operation. The training gives students experience across several technical areas while also introducing them to potential skilled-trades careers.
AGCO evaluated nominees for its new award based on instructional excellence, student impact, industry engagement, leadership and dedication.
For Brand, the recognition also provides an opportunity to bring additional attention to agricultural education.
“Receiving this inaugural award is an incredible honor,” Brand said. “I hope this recognition brings attention to the importance of agricultural mechanics and the impact these programs have on students.”
AGCO connects education with the technician pipeline
The award fits into AGCO's broader involvement in education, technician talent development and dealer training.
Developing that pipeline starts well before a prospective technician applies for a position at an equipment dealership. Agricultural education programs can introduce students to machinery, electrical systems, engines, fabrication and workplace safety while they are still in high school.
Programs that also connect students with employers and technical colleges can help turn that early exposure into potential career opportunities.
Brand will be recognized at the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association summer conference, the Georgia FFA State Convention and an awards luncheon at AGCO's global headquarters in Duluth, Georgia.
He will also receive a $1,500 cash award.
More information about AGCO's technician career and education initiatives is available through AGTechnician.com.