Thomas Wildgoose is a placement student working within Kubota’s tractor and groundcare marketing team.
A farmer’s son from Derbyshire, Thomas is currently enjoying a 12-month placement with Kubota, as part of a three-year foundation course in agriculture at Harper Adams University.
“My goal is to stay involved in the industry, either through the family farm or perhaps at manufacturer or dealer level,” says Thomas. “I also have the option to extend my University course to gain a BSc, which would be beneficial for my career prospects in the long-term.”
He says his family’s mixed farm is familiar with the Kubota brand, as a result of having its own KX015-4 mini excavator.
“When I saw an opportunity to work at Kubota as a placement student, it was a dream opportunity for me – it was also my first choice,” says Thomas. “Kubota is a global brand that does things right, across all the sectors it is involved with, and our experience with the mini digger certainly proves that from a customer perspective.”
Thomas has spent the first half of his placement year splitting his time between Kubota’s parts department and engine sectors, gaining a broad understanding of the industries served. He is now starting his final six months at Kubota with the tractor and groundcare marketing team, further widening his experience of working with a global manufacturer.
“The time spent with Kubota has so far has been fantastic, and I’m now keen to learn more about how the business supports the farming sector,” says Thomas.
Away from work, Thomas is a keen cricket fan and a regular visitor to Derbyshire CCC’s Incora Country Ground. When not spectating, he is handy with a cricket bat and competes for two teams.
“One is my local village team, and the other is a team comprising mostly farmers,” he says. “It’s great fun and while I can also bowl, I’d much rather be batting and putting on the runs.”
