Busselton technician Johannes Viljoen named a finalist in John Deere Technician of the Year Awards

A Busselton tradie has been named a finalist in the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards. Johannes Viljoen is a technician for AFGRI Equipment and has been named one of four Australian finalists for the Construction and Forestry Technicians of the Year award. Mr Viljoen has been fixing up machinery for as long as he can remember, helping his father repair machinery when he was younger. The fascination with machinery went further than industrial machinery as he would also take appliances apart while growing up to see how they function. Mr Viljoen underwent an apprenticeship on trucks before tackling underground mining equipment. He said he enjoyed “understanding and interpreting the language of engines and mechanical systems”. John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler said all finalists should be proud, with Mr Viljoen one of 24 Australian finalists picked from 130 nominees across 69 dealership locations. He is the only South West finalist and one of four from WA. “Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills to support customers’ operations, helping them to increase their up time, enhance productivity and promote sustainable practices across their business,” Mr Chandler said. “All the finalists should be extremely proud that their dedication, hard work and commitment to excellent customer service was recognised by their dealerships and congratulated on passing the first round of internal judging.” Award winners will be named at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards gala event on September 5.