Mark Petersen
Workshop Foreman — CLAAS Harvest Centre Southland
How and when did you start your career in agriculture?
I started my Agriculture Career with CLAAS Harvest Centre Southland in 2012 as a Service Technician.
What drew you to your current role?
I took the opportunity for my current role as Workshop Foreman, as I felt I needed to take the next step in leadership. I like the challenge of providing technical support to the guys and helping the apprentices achieve their goals.
What roles and experiences have led you to where you are today?
I completed an Apprenticeship in Light Automotive in 2003 when I worked on cars and did so until 2009. I then took the chance and worked in underground coal mines in New Zealand and Australia until 2012 and have recently completed 10 years' service in Agriculture. I have worked in 3 different Industries and find Agriculture to be the most rewarding. I am also on the OHS Committee for our branch and the New Zealand Health and Safety Workers Forum.
What do you love about our industry?
I enjoy getting out and about and meeting customers, keeping their machinery maintained and building a good business relationship with them. I also like the challenges of solving and working on technical problems as it keeps my mind sharp.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of working in our industry?
Give it a go! It provides plenty of challenges but is also very rewarding. There are plenty of opportunities for growth if you are willing to put your head down and get stuck in.
What training and development have you undertaken with us?
I have done lots of training, in probably the entire range of CLAAS, JCB and Amazone. I enjoy learning new material and always take up the opportunity to develop my knowledge further when I can. I have also worked in other CLAAS Harvest Centre branches at different times. For example, I’ve been to Esperance and Echuca in Australia, doing 4-6 weeks at each place and enjoyed the experience.
What do you feel are the key reasons you have stayed with the Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre team?
It is a rewarding place to work. I like the training opportunities, and everyone is encouraged to better themselves. It’s good to see it as a family business and profits are put back into growing the Business further and this provides a great sense of security. We have a good crew of guys down here and everyone helps each other out.