The UK’s Biggest Tractor Rally, Tractor Fest, welcomes, Oliver Wilson, it’s newest staff member!

With over 15,000 people attending and just under 2,000 exhibits, Northallerton Schools Oliver Wilson in Year 10 had the privilege to assist at the UK’s largest Tractor Rally, Tractor Fest, an international event which welcomes exhibitors and attendees for all over the world.  From June 2nd to June 10th, Oliver worked alongside exhibitors from Austria, New Zealand and the United States learning from them and assisting them in their exhibitions as part of his Work Experience.

And what an experience!

Oliver spent his time over the two week period as part of the Tractor Fest team driving the machinery, pegging out the rally field, putting up the pens, Health and Safety checking and monitoring and engaging with the public as a steward, guiding and informing attendees sharing his knowledge and interacting with the public from all over the world! 

In his thank you letter to Mrs Rahn, Northallerton School’s Head Teacher, the Secretary YVA  for Tractor Fest, Mr Alan Dunderdale,  had this to say regarding Oliver’s contribution:

 “I am very pleased to report Oliver became part of the team: everything that was asked of him was undertaken with a smile – done with Safety First both for himself and others, so much so that the site safety manager felt that Oliver should be allowed to use some of the equipment. 

After some training he was allowed to drive the site gators and quad bike to take equipment to different teams, again his thoughtful operation of equipment pleased the site manager, whom I understand, took Oliver on one side, and allowed him to operate the new JCB Loadall (Value £100,000) in a secure area. (I’m not allowed to drive this!).

Oliver has proved to be a very good Ambassador for his school and Tractor Fest. We were so pleased with his work that we asked him to speak with some of the press who attended the show. Oliver also did a radio interview promoting Tractor Fest and his work experience… a very well-respected young man by the Tractor Fest site team.”

When asked about his experience, Oliver told me:  

“The experience has boosted my confidence around people making it easier to engage with the industry and is definitely something I’m looking to do in the future.  I would like to thank the Committee for giving me the opportunity for this wonderful experience and Mrs Vicki Rahn, my Head Teacher and Northallerton School for supporting me.”

Careers Teacher, Dr Jane Scott said, “I’m so proud of Oliver, what a wonderful experience he has had and one which will lead him to great things in the future, an outstanding student and an example of Work Experience success! I wish him the very best in his chosen path.”