DANIEL Barnes from RDO Equipment Beaudesert has been recognised in an elite group at the fourth annual John Deere Technician of Year awards.
Daniel was one of just five technicians from throughout Australia and New Zealand to be named as the best of the best.
He was presented with the Service Apprentice of the Year Award at a gala dinner in Brisbane earlier this month.
John Deere Australia and NZ Managing Director, Luke Chandler, said the calibre of each of this year’s finalists was a testament to the value his company placed on providing the best possible service to its customers and communities.
“It’s promising to see the pipeline of excellent technicians who will continue to support our customers across the country,” he said.
“Daniel knows all too well the importance of ensuring machinery stays operational after spending most of his previous working life as a dairy farmer .”
The mature aged apprentice, said his primary focus each day was to support his customers and to understand their business.
“I enjoy getting to know the customers and what they’re doing with their machinery and with their business, and then being able to diagnose and help solve their problems,” Daniel said.
“It’s rewarding to see their machines get going again, to help them also helps me grow as a technician and also as a person.”
The final selection process saw Daniel along with 31 other finalists attend John Deere’s Brisbane headquarters where they were put through a rigorous assessment process, testing diagnostic capabilities, technical knowledge and customer service skills.
Daniel said he had enjoyed the overall experience of entering the Technician of the Year Awards.
“It was an awesome few days. I learned a lot,” he said.
Established in 2021, the prestigious John Deere awards saw more than 130 technicians nominated by dealerships, with input from customers.
