Shane Hanna

Shane Hanna graduated from Greenmount Campus, Antrim with a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering in June 2022. Before studying at CAFRE, Shane completed his GCSEs at Saintfield High School and opted to follow a specialist course that would allow him to return to work within the family business.

What is your current job and responsibilities:

I work as a Service Engineer within our family business, Martin Hanna & Partners Ltd. My job covers a variety of aspects; from initial pre-delivery inspection of new machinery, through to restoration and rebuilds of entire machines. So, my day could involve servicing, recovering breakdowns or general machinery maintenance. There is always ongoing jobs or restorations needing completed in the yard, I am never short of work.

What is the best thing about your job?

Customer satisfaction! Keeping the customer happy is key. If a customer is concerned enough to contact us, either requiring a new machine, a repair or a service, it’s our place to meet their needs. A satisfied customer is the best business strategy after all.

What is your fondest memory of your time at CAFRE?

During the Land-based Engineering course, we had the opportunity to visit businesses and machinery suppliers. Our study tour took us inside the doors of machinery manufacturers which gave us the chance to see ‘inside the factory’. From these trips we learnt about latest technological developments and gained an understanding of factors impacting the land-based machinery sector.

I also really enjoyed the chance to live on campus whilst studying at Greenmount. Moving away from home offered new experiences and I made new friends, many of whom I keep in contact with now.

Have you undertaken further training since leaving CAFRE?

Yes, I have been fortunate enough to attend several Massey Ferguson training events at their Training Centre in Stoneleigh, England.

How do you like to relax outside work?

While it doesn’t get me away from the workshops, one of my hobbies is completing restorations on older tractors. I also like spending time at the weekends socialising with friends.

What advice would you give a new graduate?

Have a plan for when you finish your course. There are opportunities to further your education or seek employment. When working in the industry not every job is the same. From time to time, you will get similar issues, but no two tasks are identical. Be patient and demonstrate a willingness to learn.