SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

Luke Waldram

Automotive Engineering

Luke, what sparked your interest in automotive engineering – and why Harper Adams?

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school. I’d always had an interest in agricultural machinery, and I really enjoyed studying Engineering at A-Level — so I started looking for a course that could combine both.

That’s when Harper Adams really stood out. It was the only university I found that offered exactly what I was looking for: an engineering degree focused on agriculture, with the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience with real equipment. The facilities are outstanding — from the workshops to the wide range of on-site machinery — and the chance to put classroom knowledge into practice was simply unmatched. That practical, applied approach was exactly what I was looking for.

And do you think that practical, hands-on approach has helped set you apart?

Absolutely! I use the technical skills I gained at Harper Adams every day, and the confidence this has given me is invaluable. Harper has this great ability to build a mindset of independence, adaptability, and problem-solving. It’s no wonder employers often say Harper engineers are ‘ready from day one’ — it’s true! We’re trained to hit the ground running in real-world environments, and that makes all the difference.

You mentioned the ‘ready from day one’ mindset. Where did ‘day one’ take you?

I now work for AGCO as the Massey Ferguson Technical Trainer for the UK and Ireland. For anyone unfamiliar, AGCO is a global leader in agricultural machinery and precision technology, with well-known brands like Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Valtra, and PTx.

In my role, I design and deliver technical training on AGCO’s latest machinery for dealer and service teams across the UK and Ireland. It’s given me the chance to stay at the cutting edge of the industry, grow a wide professional network, and even travel internationally to AGCO’s manufacturing sites. It’s a great insight into how large-scale agricultural engineering and production works on a global scale.

I genuinely enjoy my role at AGCO and my current focus is on continuing to build my expertise while gradually progressing into management. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to growing as my career evolves.

That sounds great Luke, any words of advice for future Harper Adams engineers?

I’d say Harper Adams is truly a unique environment where the more you put in, the more you get out. It’s a place where innovation meets real-world impact and where students are empowered to become the next generation of industry leaders. From my very first Open Day, Harper Adams immediately felt like a home away from home for me, and that’s something that has never changed!

For anyone considering studying at Harper, not just engineers, my best advice is to stop considering, take the leap and apply!