General News
30 August, 2023
Lewis takes back-to-back awards
BRANDT Terang’s Sarah Lewis has claimed back-to-back national awards at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards.
BRANDT Terang’s Sarah Lewis has claimed back-to-back national awards at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards.
Ms Lewis said it was a unique and humbling experience to have earned the John Deere Australian Parts Technician of the Year title for a second consecutive year, after having been nominated by multiple south west agricultural experts.
“It’s a humbling, amazing honour to be recognised again, for the second year in a row, for my skills in something i am so passionate about,” she said.
“It was definitely more challenging this year but an amazing opportunity.
“I think one of the most amazing things is just even being up there, but to win again is unique and exciting so it’s a very humbling experience and an honour to carry the title again for Brandt and John Deere.”
Ms Lewis congratulated her fellow winners and nominees, many of whom she had the opportunity to meet at an awards ceremony in Brisbane over the weekend.
She said getting to talk with others in the industry about their skills, approach and how their respective branch goes about business was reward in itself, helping her to grow and learn new approaches to customer service.
“We had a fantastic group of techs this year who are also very skilled and passionate,” she said.
“I was fortunate enough to be the title holder for the past 12 months, so it’s amazing to even consider that I’m here for the second time.
“I see this as a great opportunity to develop my skills and support our customers.
“There’s no greater reward than providing assistance and expertise in parts to all customers, no matter the size of the equipment.”
While Ms Lewis said she does not enjoy being in the spotlight, she understands the important role she can play in acting as a role model to other young people and mentoring them to have a successful career in the agriculture industry.
“I enjoy having the opportunity to grow my career with John Deere and with Brandt, particularly at the Terang branch, and then through opportunities by competing through these competitions,” she said.
“In the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to attend two different jobs and careers expos.
“It gives you the chance to engage with members of the community from all different backgrounds, age groups and genders.
“There was another opportnity recently working with different schools in regional South Australia to look at what career path they might be interested in, what pathways there are and to speak more on the industry and organisation of it.”
