About Ag Drive
Waikato's most recognised agricultural vehicle training provider
Ag Drive was formed in 2020 to cater for the growing demand in providing training solutions for the agricultural industry. In the following years Ag Drive has become the most recognised agricultural training provider in the Waikato region, training now in tractors, LUV's, quad bikes, two wheeler farm bikes, and recently adding chainsaws.
Priding ourselves on our focus to provide practical based training with a strong focus on health and safety. We are now providing our training courses to the industry by bringing it to you, training you on the machinery you operate every day, and we can fit the courses into your daily schedule.
Meet Grant Wilson
Although being born in Auckland farming was introduced to Grant in the form of school holidays spent on farms in the Waikato area right from an early age. Through this Grant developed a passion for the outdoors and the farming lifestyle as well as a love for the animals and machinery we use in the day-to-day life of a dairy farmer. He has farmed from the West Coast of the South Island, all the way up to the Far North, working on terrains that are dead flat through to rolling to steep. He completed a three year cadetship in farming in the 1990's, receiving a "trade certificate" in dairy farming through the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, and over the years has studied while working on the farms, achieving Levels 1 to 3 National Certificates on Agriculture.
In 2014 Grant had a significant tractor accident and sustained some serious injuries. In 2018, after just over 20 years of farming, he decided that the due to the injuries he sustained in the accident, and the on-going concerns they are causing, he was no longer fit enough to farm and returned to the Waikato. After a brief stint in retail, in December 2021 Grant began working as a Tutor for Ag Drive, and in 2024 he took over the business.
During his time as a Tutor with Ag Drive Grant became a registered assessor, making him "qualified" to train you and your staff. He also had a large part in setting the content of the One-day Safe Operator courses Ag Drive runs based on his extensive farming background and experience.
Farming and the agricultural sector is still a true passion of Grant's and the opportunity to own a training company in the agricultural sector is above and beyond a dream come true for Grant. So if you have any questions, want some training, or even if you want a chat, please feel free to get in touch with him.
What We Stand for At Ag Drive
Practical Learning
We believe the best way to learn is to get stuck in and do it. That's why we're focused on practical learning, giving our learners the best opportunities to learn through doing.
Safety First
From Health & Safety perspective, there is huge risk when operating heavy machinery. That's why we focus on health and safety, so our learners are given the skills and training to operate any level of machinery safely.
Best Practice
We are passionate about educating all agricultural machinery operators in best practices. That's why our coaches are highly trained and experienced, understanding how to coach drivers to be safe and efficient.
Industry-led
There is massive demand within New Zealand's agriculture industry for more drivers and operators, so our programmes are industry-led to meet their needs. That's why we're working closely with employers to provide training that is relevant.
Awards and Accolades
Ag Drive won the Excellence in New/Emerging Business and Innovation and Adaptation awards at the 2021 Waipa Networks Business Awards, judged by Howard Davey from Waikato University's prestigious School of Business.
“I found the course to be interesting and informative, the course materials were comprehensive, and the instructors were friendly and supportive. I highly recommend it.”
Andy