APPRENTICE GRADUATION & HFG’S JOHN ALEXANDER WINS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Dozens of John Deere technicians graduate from renowned apprenticeship course

A 39-strong group of talented service technicians has graduated from John Deere’s apprenticeship programme.

The graduates are now beginning the next stage of their careers throughout the manufacturer’s dealership network.

Apprentices celebrated their achievements at a special ceremony in Nottingham with their families, friends, tutors and work colleagues after completing their respective Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech courses.

Apprentices are employed by John Deere dealers and work full time in depots across the UK and Ireland while studying to achieve Level 3 Land-based Service Engineer qualification.

Throughout the course they travel to the company’s purpose-built apprentice training centre near John Deere’s Langar headquarters for blocks of two weeks where a mix of classroom and workshop training takes place, delivered by ProVQ.

John Alexander from Hunt Forest Group was named Technician Apprentice of the Year for 2024 while Parts Tech graduate Cameron Thompson from Netherton Tractors won the Parts Apprentice of the Year award. The winners were awarded a trophy and an iPad.

Max Hodges from Tuckwells and Kellar Inns from Ben Burgess were both named as runners-up, both receiving a trophy and a £250 high street gift voucher.

John Deere Training Centre Manager Allan Cochran said: “Every apprentice who graduates has demonstrated a deep understanding of John Deere machinery, the customer service level we expect and, overall, a mindset of achievement.

“This is a challenging learning programme and we are proud of the success rate we achieve. Over more than 30 years we have trained in excess of 1,200 apprentices and set them on a course for success in this industry.

“Our aim is to help our apprentices take their first step – after that, there are multiple opportunities for them to flourish in their careers with our dealers with a whole raft of further qualifications now open to them.”

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme involves students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales, and marketing.

Ag Tech and Turf Tech candidates study towards the land-based service engineering technician qualification while Parts Tech individuals complete a Level 3 Parts Diploma.

New students are enrolled each year, and the standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as up to eight weeks each year at the training centre.

“A John Deere apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is looking to start their career in the agricultural machinery sector,” Allan added.

“In partaking in one of the most prestigious courses that John Deere provides, an apprentice will learn the valuable knowledge and skills for them to work their way into a career anywhere across John Deere’s worldwide dealership network.”

To search for open apprenticeship positions go to https://apprenticeshipfinder.co.uk/john-deere/