Tag Archive for: John

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

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John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event: John Deere will run a free online Military Hiring Programme event on Wednesday 3 December to help service leavers understand how their skills transfer into careers working with advanced agricultural and turf machinery.

The virtual session will give attendees a clear view of the roles available across the UK and Ireland dealer network, the training pathway, and the support on offer to those leaving the forces.

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

It follows strong interest in John Deere’s resettlement pathway – launched in the UK in 2023 – which continues to bring ex-military talent into its dealership teams.

Allan Cochran, Training Centre Manager at John Deere, will outline how the programme works and what candidates can expect once they start their transition into civilian employment.

“We know the skills, discipline and problem-solving experience found in the armed forces match perfectly with our technician and support roles,” said Allan. “This is a chance to hear directly from our team and speak with people who have already made the move. Service leavers bring huge value to our dealers and we will continue to invest in pathways that help them succeed.”

Former Royal Navy engineer Graham Walker will share his journey. His 24 years in service were mostly spent aboard nuclear submarines. Graham then used his background, technical versatility, and leadership experience to move into a senior role at John Deere dealer Smallridge Bros.

On board the submarine, with no access to spare parts, Graham and his team often had to manufacture components from raw materials to keep critical systems running. He became skilled in hydraulics, gas and atmosphere management, propulsion, and nuclear engineering — all under pressure and in confined conditions.

Since following the Military Hiring Programme pathway, Graham has now taken the role of Service Manager at Smallridge’s Callington depot in Cornwall.

“Attending an event like this is online introduction to the programme is thoroughly worthwhile,” said Graham. “You understand the scale of the opportunity and hear first-hand from people who have already made the move. The support is there from day one and the programme helps you map out your next steps.”

The online event will also feature Chris Giles from Tallis Amos Group’s Leominster depot, who previously served in the forces and has since built a successful career in the dealership network.

James Evans, Division Customer Support Manager for John Deere, will explain how the business supports ex-forces staff as they move into the workshop and wider dealership environment.

Earlier this year, John Deere was named in the 50 Great British Employers of Veterans 2025 list, and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Military Hiring Programme connects service leavers with a dedicated mentor, provides free training and supports the transition into full-time roles with John Deere dealers.

The online event starts at 7pm on 3 December. Registration is open now at https://JDMHP.eventbrite.co.uk.

Those unable to attend will have the chance to watch a recording afterwards, and can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

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New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

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New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate: More than fifty apprentices have graduated from John Deere’s renowned Ag Tech, Turf Tech, and Parts Tech programmes, joining dealerships across the UK and Ireland as qualified technicians and parts specialists.

The graduates, trained in partnership with ProVQ at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, were recognised at a special ceremony celebrating their achievement and the ongoing success of one of the longest-running manufacturer apprenticeship schemes in the industry.

New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

New generation of John Deere apprentices graduate

Jacob Ellwood from the Thomas Sherriff dealership was named Technician Apprentice of the Year for 2025, while Alex Hind from Farol won the Parts Apprentice of the Year award. Both received trophies and iPads to mark their success.

Now in its fourth decade, John Deere’s apprenticeship scheme continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of modern machinery dealerships. The programme equips students with a mix of technical, diagnostic, and digital skills, alongside customer service and communication training.

“Our apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing the next generation of talent for our dealer network,” said John Deere Training Centre Manager Allan Cochran. “The industry is moving fast, with connected machines, advanced diagnostics, and precision technology becoming standard, so it’s essential that our apprentices leave fully prepared for those challenges. Seeing them graduate and take their next steps with our dealers is hugely rewarding.”

Apprentices on the Ag Tech and Turf Tech courses work towards the Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Level 3 qualification, while those on the Parts Tech route complete a Level 3 parts diploma.

The expanded Parts Tech programme, introduced last year, now includes greater emphasis on technical knowledge and customer interaction in response to the growing importance of John Deere’s aftermarket and service support.

An apprenticeship programme is also available to those working in the construction industry with the John Deere-owned Wirtgen Group.

Since its inception in 1992, the John Deere apprenticeship programme has supported well in excess of 1,200 young people to find skilled roles across the company’s worldwide dealership network. Recruitment for the next intake is now underway, offering school and college leavers the opportunity to build long-term careers in the agricultural and turf machinery industries.

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John Wells to become BIGGA president

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John Wells to become BIGGA president: A Master Greenkeeper with more than four decades of experience across the world has accepted the nomination to become President of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2026.

John Wells, 66, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA President Elect, supporting current President Ronnie Myles for the remainder of his term. He will be formally appointed BIGGA President at the association’s Annual General Meeting, taking place online in January.

John Wells to become BIGGA president

John Wells to become BIGGA president

As BIGGA President, John will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at events across the UK and overseas. He will also join the Board of Management, using his extensive experience to help guide the association in its mission to support and develop greenkeepers and turf professionals.

John was so surprised to be offered the presidency that he was initially in disbelief. He said: “I was quite taken aback when I received the call from Ronnie Myles to ask if I’d consider the position. At first, I thought it might be a wind-up from some mates! But once I realised it was genuine, I was over the moon. I’ve been on Cloud Nine ever since.

“It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me. I’m a firm believer in education and that is something I am keen to champion during my spell as President,” he said.

John’s greenkeeping journey started at Welwyn Garden City, where his early promise was recognised as he ascended to the role of Head Greenkeeper at just 20 years of age. He spent 16 years there before moving to Brocket Hall, where he oversaw major course developments.

He achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 1995 and left Brocket Hall in 2010, with John’s 18 years there having also seen him posted to Cyprus, Russia, France and beyond to oversee projects. His final port of call was South Herts Golf Club, where he retired in 2023.

“We are delighted that John has accepted the Board’s invitation to serve as President for 2026,” said BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton. “John has had a lengthy and storied career in greenkeeping and has always been a highly engaged member of BIGGA.

“As only the 10th member at the time to earn the Master Greenkeeper designation, he exemplified high standards, and his knowledge and expertise are still in strong demand after his retirement from full-time course management.

“I am looking forward to spending time with John throughout his presidency year at the various events we attend and within the boardroom, where his experience and wise counsel will be an undoubted asset.”

Throughout his career, John has been a passionate advocate for education and mentoring. Many of the team members he trained have gone on to become course managers themselves, while others now work around the world. He continues to support and advise greenkeepers through consultancy work and his close involvement with BIGGA.

“Education has always been at the heart of BIGGA, and that’s something I care deeply about,” he said. “When I started out, there were very few training opportunities. The development of structured education within the association has transformed the profession, and I’m proud to have seen that evolution firsthand.”

Although retired from full-time course management, John remains heavily involved in the sport. He consults at a 36-hole course near his Hertfordshire home, looks after two cricket squares, and travels regularly to visit his son, Harry, who is Golf Course Superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf Club.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in some incredible places, but what I’ve always enjoyed most is helping others succeed,” he said. “To be invited to serve as BIGGA President is a huge honour, and I’ll do my utmost to represent the association and its members to the best of my ability.”

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John Deere named among top employers of veterans

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John Deere named among top employers of veterans: John Deere has been recognised in the 2025 ranking of the UK’s top 50 employers for the armed forces community following the success of its Military Hiring Programme.

The GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme is a prestigious benchmark recognising those organisations setting the national standard in veteran employment.

John Deere named among top employers of veterans

John Deere named among top employers of veterans

Inclusion in the highly competitive top 50 reflects a genuine, measurable, and sustained commitment to the Armed Forces community in the UK.

Allan Cochran, Branch Training Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “Following on from the success John Deere has had in recruiting thousands of skilled armed forces veterans in

America, it has been fantastic to see our own Military Hiring Programme roll out across the UK and Ireland over the past three years.

“The skills and the mindset of those leaving the forces are perfectly suited to the roles being

offered by our dealerships, and those who have resettled into the John Deere family have cited many similarities in a working environment that’s built around team effort and camaraderie.

“We’re honoured to be recognised in this way. It will further fuel our passion for offering service veterans a next step in their careers across the agricultural and professional turfcare sectors.”

The groundbreaking initiative to attract ex-service personnel into new careers at John Deere dealers was launched in the UK in 2023.

The Military Hiring Programme matches ex-members of the armed forces with technician role vacancies at dealerships across the country.

The next Insight Day, designed to show veterans what a career with the brand could look like, takes place at John Deere’s Langar headquarters on 8 July.

The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans was created to provide a definitive, data-backed guide to the UK’s most exemplary forces-friendly employers. It stands as a mark of excellence for organisations whose support is embedded, enduring and effective.

Each year, more than 15,000 individuals leave the British armed forces. Highly trained, values-driven and mission-focused, they represent one of the most capable and under-utilised talent pools in the labour market. Yet barriers remain to building a meaningful second career.

Ben Rossi, founder of the global Forces in Business Awards series and 50 GREAT British

Employers of Veterans programme, said: “This comprehensive ranking of forces-friendly employers has become a cornerstone resource for veterans, reservists and their families – and a powerful benchmark for organisations seeking to lead in veteran employment. To feature in the top 50 is to stand among the most committed supporters of the armed forces community.

“Inclusion is not easily earned. The 2025 list reflects a growing coalition of employers who truly understand military talent, setting best practice and proving that investing in the Armed Forces community is not just the right thing to do – it’s a clear strategic advantage.”

Service members and ex-service members interested in the John Deere Military Hiring

Programme can find out more by visiting Deere.com/JDMHP.

They will be put in touch with an ex-services person within the John Deere network to discuss all potential options.

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Man City’s John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark 001 

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John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to award John Ledwidge Pioneer Mark #001 in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

The ‘Pioneer Legacy’ initiative celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry through the GMA’s NextGen group, formerly known as the GMA Young Board.

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

Pioneer Mark

Each Pioneer Mark is uniquely numbered and represents the individual’s contribution to supporting the next generation of grounds people.

The presentation of John’s award is particularly timely during National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the crucial role apprenticeships play in creating career pathways in the industry.

Ledwidge, himself, began his career as an apprentice at Coventry City Football Club and, after 18 months away, returned as Grounds Manager where he was also part of the first GMA Young Board cohort between 2011-2014.

As the group’s inaugural chair, he played a key role in laying the foundations for its evolution into GMA NextGen which supports and develops emerging talent within the industry.

Since his time with the Young Board, Ledwidge has progressed through senior positions at Leicester City Football Club and is now Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City Football Club.

What they said

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA, said: “John’s journey not only with the GMA but within the industry highlights his dedication to the profession and his ability to inspire meaningful change.

As the first chair of the Young Board, he showed great leadership that set the foundation for GMA NextGen. Seeing his achievements recognised with Pioneer Mark #001 is a proud moment for everyone who has worked alongside him.”

Commenting on the award, John Ledwidge said: “It is a genuine honour to be awarded with the #001 pioneer mark from the GMA. As the first chair of the young board and part of the founding group, we created something that had never been done before, hopefully laying the foundations for today’s NextGen group to continue the legacy we left.

Personally, I feel we all have a responsibility to encourage and develop new and emerging talent and to share our knowledge and expertise with them. I have always been proud of what I do and will always be grateful for the opportunities this wonderful industry has given me and my family, so it is such a pleasure to receive this recognition from the GMA.”

For more information about the Pioneer Legacy initiative or GMA NextGen, please visit thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors/.

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