Liam Anderson
Product Specialist - Tractors (A Landpower Graduate Programme Alumni) — Christchurch
Where are you from?
Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am originally from Timaru, I spent a lot of time on my Grandparent’s farm growing up which is where I developed a passion for agriculture. I went to study agriculture at Lincoln University. During my summer holidays, I worked on a mixed cropping property in South Canterbury and spent two harvest seasons in Western Australia. After graduating, I spent a year working on the same cropping farm where I had spent my summer holidays and gained a lot of valuable machinery experience. I then applied for a graduate role with Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre and I was fortunate enough to have been offered the position in 2021.
What does a typical day involve?
As a graduate, I do not think I have had one typical day so far. Since I have started, I have worked in sales, service and parts in retail and wholesale. I have had the opportunity to deliver new machinery with sales, attend field days and spend time in the field with service technicians, which has really helped me gain a better understanding of the products we sell.
What did you enjoy most about the Graduate Program?
I enjoyed being able to work across both the wholesale and retail sides of the business. As the company spans across New Zealand and Australia, I have gained knowledge of the different agricultural systems that are in both countries. I have really enjoyed having the opportunities to work in all the various areas of the business as it gave me many different perspectives of the day-to-day tasks that are required by staff. The culture at Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre pushes for growth, learning and taking on opportunities. The way the program is designed is extremely flexible and entirely catered to the individual. If you like to be challenged and want to take opportunities, then this is the role for you.
How did you get involved in the Graduate Program?
I saw the role being advertised on Facebook and thought it was the ideal position for me so I contacted Carly Shaw who gave me some more information regarding the program and then I submitted my application.
What advice to you have for others who are thinking about applying for the Graduate Program?
Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre offer so many opportunities to learn in both the retail network and the wholesale business. I have been able to see every aspect of the wholesale and retail business, which is rare for someone in an organisation as big as Landpower/CLAAS Harvest Centre. The experience has provided me with an extensive understanding as to how the organisation functions. I strongly encourage graduates to apply for this program as opportunities like this do not come around every day. I have stepped out of my comfort zone which has enabled me to develop and grow in an industry that I am passionate about. If you have a passion for agriculture and machinery, then this role is for you.