John Deere apprentices far outperform national average

October 7, 2026

John Deere apprentices far outperform national average

Apprentices on John Deere’s agriculture, turf and parts engineering programmes are completing their training at a rate well above the national average.

John Deere apprentices far outperform national average

More than 90% of those who start their course go on to successfully complete it, compared with around 60% nationally.

The level of achievement is also extremely high with 74% of apprentices receiving a merit or distinction from their End Point Assessment (EPA) – the final, independent evaluation that an apprentice must pass to prove they are fully competent in their job role.

A merit or distinction is only awarded to those who score 75% or above, which is broadly equivalent to an A grade at A-level.

On top of this, every apprentice completing the programme has passed their EPA for the fourth consecutive year, marking another significant milestone in the manufacturer’s long-running commitment to developing skilled technicians for its UK and Ireland dealer network.

“Achieving a 91% programme achievement rate is something we are extremely proud of, particularly when considering where the national average stands,” says John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran.

“To see almost three-quarters of our Level 3 apprentices achieving a merit or distinction shows they are not only completing the course, but performing at the very highest level.

“These results are a fantastic reflection of the commitment shown by our apprentices, their dealers and mentors, and everyone involved in delivering the programme.

“Our core values of commitment, quality and integrity are central to everything we do, and these results demonstrate those values in action. We would like to congratulate every apprentice who has reached this milestone and thank the dealers, mentors and training staff who have played such an important part in their success.”

John Deere’s pioneering apprenticeship programme combines training with paid employment, leading to nationally recognised and valued qualifications. The apprentices are trained in partnership with ProVQ at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire.

The apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years, and in that time has produced over 1,400 talented individuals who have gone on to have exciting careers across the John Deere dealership network. The aim remains to help young people take their first step on the career ladder, and to mould and nurture those with the skills and the desire to work in this industry.

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.

Candidates interesting in applying for an apprenticeship can do so via the John Deere Apprenticeship Findertool.

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