Altogether 59 young apprentices - up by three on last year - have signed up to begin their first year of training in the work-based programmes. The latest intake includes 40 Ag Tech apprentice engineering technicians, 12 Parts Tech and seven Turf Tech technicians.


Some of the new 2014/2015 intake of John Deere Ag, Parts and Turf Tech apprentices at Langar during their autumn induction, with John Deere and Babcock training managers.

John Deere's apprenticeship scheme was the first land-based agricultural and turf machinery programme to deliver training in the workplace, at the sponsoring dealership, with assessment and guidance from Babcock's team of expert learning advisers. Additional training takes place at Babcock's purpose-built training facility at Ruddington and the John Deere Training Centre at Langar, both near Nottingham.

Overall the John Deere apprenticeship programmes, which also include Customer Service Tech, offer an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry, the apprenticeship programme's awarding body) VCQ level 3 land-based engineering qualification, IMI VCQ level 3 parts operations qualification or IMI VCQ level 2 customer service qualification. In addition, completion of the John Deere Ag Tech or Turf Tech apprenticeship is recognised by the industry's LTA (Landbased Technician Accreditation) scheme at level 2.

Graduating apprentices can then complete three free courses to gain the John Deere Diploma and start their adult training at the John Deere University (JDU), using the knowledge and skills gained from their initial one-, two- or three-year apprenticeship. After additional training and experience, they can ultimately go on to achieve the highest possible LTA4 Master Technician accreditation.