John Deere has launched a resettlement programme for military service personnel, offering new career opportunities working on their agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.  

Members of the armed forces have been identified by the manufacturer as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships.

The manufacturer says that responding to a global shortage of qualified technicians in the machinery sector, their Military Hiring Programme will follow in the footsteps of a successful scheme launched in the United States which attracts more than 1,000 potential new recruits a year.  

“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere branch training manager.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians.  

“It’s the perfect fit for John Deere - we are able to play our part in supporting those resettling following careers in the armed forces while also attracting a different pool of people into the business.”

Signaling its commitment, John Deere has this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant; a pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. 

Military personnel have been identified as a key source of talent for the machinery sector as many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere uses, making the transition straightforward.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Deere says those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to the company's products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer. 

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting here. 

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.