At the inaugural Agricultural Engineers Association’s Colleges Day held at Cranfield University on 15^th July over 130 colleges, manufacturers and dealers reconnected to develop the workforce of the future.

With the relationship between the land-based engineering industry and the colleges deteriorating in recent years, this event provided a platform for both sides to understand the demands and requirements of the industry while establishing the capabilities and needs of the colleges.

AEA Chief Executive, Roger Lane-Nott, said “ This was an important step in reconnecting the industry with the colleges. The industry has changed over the last 15 years. The requirement to provide training in the modern and cutting edge technology used in land-based equipment today puts great demands on the manufacturers, dealers and colleges. We intend to work together to improve the situation, with over supply, funding and regulation amongst the many issues. We need to make sure that the colleges understand what the industry needs while giving industry a realistic expectation of what the colleges can offer.”

For more information about AEA and the land-based engineering industry visit www.aea.uk.com or call 0845 6448748