Careers: Government needs to do more for dealerships

An annual event for the Irish machinery industry, the FTMTA Farm Machinery Show takes place from 12-14 November in the Punchestown event centre.

Serving as a platform for showcasing the latest technology, equipment and innovations, the three-day event brings together manufacturers, dealers and customers from across the country, to help drive the agricultural machinery sector forward. As well as highlighting industry trends, it facilitates sales and fosters strong relationships within the industry.

The machinery sector is very lucrative to the Irish economy, the latest figures show Ireland’s total production of agricultral machinery totalled €150m, according to CEMA.

However, a major challenge facing the machinery sector at the moment is interest rates and labour issues, according to Karol Duignan, regional sales manager with CLAAS, and FTMTA president.

“Interest rates have never been higher in the last 30-odd years and this is undermining confidence and affecting the trade and the ability to carry stock. Along with this, another challenge is the labour shortages in our sector across all areas of the business,” says Karol.

Lots of dealers and companies are currently looking for staff in various positions. From sales, parts, technicians, accounts, manufacturing and design engineers to welders and fabricators, there are several jobs and opportunities.

“In general, it’s a great industry to work in, with lots of scope for career development. It’s a very diverse sector with good scope for progression. There has been huge technological advances in the sector in the last 10 years and there’s more to come,” explains Karol.

“The country needs food and to harvest that food, we need machines. The reality is these machines need to be serviced and repaired. The industry is doing its best to attract and train staff to do this but I think the Government needs to do a lot more at the root level to promote apprenticeships for the trade. Otherwise, they are going to have a real problem in the future with regards to food security,” says Karol.

FTMTA is the representative body of the machinery sector in Ireland.

“It’s important to have such a body to lobby and engage with the various government departments when it comes to issues affecting the sector. We are giving a voice to an industry that is a major rural employer in Ireland and is largely overlooked by policy makers,” he says.

Two young people working in different parts of the machinery sector share their pathways and give an insight into what their roles involve.

Scott Shaw

Dromoyle, Co Offaly

As the youngest of three, Scott grew up surrounded by machinery as his father owns Tom Shaw Farm Machinery, the well-known dealership in Birr. He started working in the family business alongside his father and brother Austin in 2020.

“I studied marketing and sales in Galway. I always had an interest in that end of things and the intention was to go home to the garage at some stage. I was probably going to travel to Australia or New Zealand, but Covid hit and I decided to come back home,” says Scott.

Scott worked for a contractor after school.

“I would have been bailing and drawing silage and ploughing which is where I got a fair idea of how to work machines. From when I could walk, I was always looking at the machines. Our house is right beside the premises, so I was influenced from day one,” he says.

Now he is the marketing and sales manager, but he describes himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ as he is also selling machinery while looking after the advertising and marketing.

“To know them from an operator’s point of view is a big help. The first thing a customer is always going to ask is what trouble did they give? And to tell them that a machine doesn’t cause trouble is a lie, so you tell them the little bits of what to look out for,” he says.

Scott sees the challenges with labour shortages in the industry.

“It is definitely a growing problem, since I’ve been home, I’ve filled a gap in the place. I don’t have a hand or a head for the mechanics, I leave that to my brother but across the industry, it is a known problem,” says Scott.

Mechanics are now coming in from abroad.

“I know the FTMTA has succeeded in speeding up permits to get mechanics in from outside the EU to work in Ireland. That was a big help for other dealerships. Mechanics are scarce, and holding on to the guys we have is important. We have a very good team at the minute, and we’re lucky to have them,” he says.

Claire Daly

Timahoe, Co Laois

Growing up on a dairy and beef farm, Claire developed a deep interest in agriculture and machinery from a young age.

“I went to Atlantic Technological University, Mountbellew Agricultural College where I completed my Bachelor of Business degree in rural enterprise and agribusiness.

"I have always enjoyed subjects like business, accounting and agriculture. Initially, I thought I would pursue a more accounting-oriented course, but I realised that a course combining business and agriculture suited me much better,” she says.

After completing her final year in May 2023, Claire began working with FTMTA as the member relations officer. She has found working in a predominantly male-dominated sector to be both challenging and rewarding.

“Around 90% of the people I deal with are men so it can sometimes feel intimidating, especially being a young woman in this industry. However, having been in this role for over a year, I’ve built good relationships with our members which has made a huge difference. Every day is a learning experience, as I’m constantly talking to different people and gaining a deeper understanding of the machinery industry,” she says.

In her role, Claire’s main responsibility is fostering strong connections with FTMTA members.

“This involves a multifaceted approach, including regular communication to address their needs, providing support and guidance, and ensuring their voices are heard within the organisation,” she says.

For the upcoming Farm Machinery Show, Claire has been busy behind the scenes working with the exhibitors and coordinating services.

“When the machinery starts to arrive, that is when it hits you – things start to take shape, and the show begins to look like the impressive showcase we’ve been working toward,” she says.