George Elliott is currently in his third year at Harper Adams University and has started a work placement year at JCB after being awarded a business scholarship
Since I was introduced to farming in my childhood, I have never doubted that a career in agriculture has been for me
Growing up on my Grandparent's small mixed-farm in Derbyshire, I spent my youth around farming and machinery.
After passing my tractor test and working on farms, I started buying vintage tractors and machinery.
This passion has continued to this very day which I see as a continuation of my life-long interest in business.
Once I completed my A Levels, I wanted to take a break from studying.
It was during this time I approached Bagshaws - an agricultural auctioneer in Derbyshire - about working and getting a job with them.
After being successful in getting the job, I worked at farm machinery dispersals, livestock markets and everything else in between.
More than anything, I learned what makes the agricultural industry tick by getting to know people very well.
This is a really invaluable life lesson I will take with me forever.
I have gained experience on farms when I went to work for R&RW Bartlett in Staffordshire - a large fresh produce business predominantly growing carrots and parsnips - where I spent three years.
The fresh produce industry was something completely new to me but I very quickly developed a passion to be involved and learn more.
The attention to detail, specialised machinery, and opportunities available within the industry drew me to the sector even more.
I am now in my third year at Harper Adams University studying Agriculture with Mechanisation.
The course drew me to Harper Adams University because it combines my two biggest interests - agriculture and machinery.
I have also started a placement year at JCB recently after being awarded a business scholarship with the company.
My year will be spent working with the agricultural sales team which I am looking forward to seeing through to the end.
It is a real privilege to be work for JCB.
Since I started, I have had exposure to the whole agricultural product range from Fastracs - the fastest production tractor in the world - to large wheel loading shovels and getting first hand insight into the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of the products.
So far, I have had a varied role, carrying out bench marking of competitor products and the opportunity to attend a sales engineer training event.
Looking to the future, I see a move away from conventional farming to a data rich industry with a heavy focus on automation across all sectors.
I believe this will present new opportunities which combined with my degree, placement and previous work experience, leaves me well equipped to firmly cement my career in agriculture.
