Tag Archive for: Open

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow: John Deere will hold an open day at its Apprentice Training Centre this May in a bid to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

The company’s revered and respected apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years, helping more than 1,200 apprentices qualify through on-the-job practical learning alongside classroom studies.

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

The John Deere Training Centre at Upper Saxondale, near Nottingham, opened last year, providing state-of-the-art facilities where apprentices complete their two or three-year course while simultaneously working within the John Deere dealership network.

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“It’s a highly technical and innovative sector, which means our apprentices get to work with some of the most advanced pieces of kit in the world.

“It’s not just servicing and fixing tractors. If you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will provide a tour of the training centre on Wednesday 3 May and Thursday 4 May, offering those interested in becoming apprentices the chance to meet the instructors, see the facilities, learn about the John Deere brand, and hear how their careers can grow with the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and groundscare equipment.

Sessions will last up to two hours and will outline what John Deere can offer a prospective apprentice, the journey through the Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech programmes, plus the John Deere career path once certified.

“This is a unique opportunity to view the learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programmes,” says Mr Cochran.

The three John Deere apprenticeship programmes include Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech – focusing on parts service and support.

The events are free to attend but you must pre-book a session as places are limited.

To book visit: jdapprenticeships.eventbrite.co.uk

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Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location: Kubota and Broekman Logistics opened a new distribution centre in Weert on Friday 14 April 2023. In the presence of the Japanese ambassador, a delegation from Kubota and Broekman Logistics performed the opening.

In the 62,000 m² state-of-the-art warehouse, Broekman Logistics facilitates storage, final assembly and also outbound logistics for Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, part of Kubota Construction Machinery Division. Broekman Logistics also handles the Complete Knocked Down (CKD) of production parts from Weert to Kubota’s production plant in Zweibrucken (D).

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics have been working together since 2006, initially from a European Distribution Centre (EDC) in Sittard. The entire operation moved to an existing Broekman location in Born in 2008, where a total of 40,000 m2 of new construction was built for Kubota. In good cooperation with Kubota, Broekman Logistics decided in 2019 to develop the new building location in Weert

Further efficiency
Further efficiency has been achieved in the new warehouse in Weert. The new set-up features an optimised layout of logistics and assembly operations, shortening lead times and facilitating future growth for Kubota. In addition, the building contributes to further sustainability, to which both parties attach great importance. For instance, large buffer tanks have been placed around the building to collect rainwater. Among other things, this is used for the green surroundings and the 100-year-old trees around the property.

Improving customer satisfaction
Toshitaka Matsuo, President of Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, says: “The move to the new distribution centre in Weert is a big step forward for Kubota and symbolizes our partnership with Broekman Logistics. This expansion represents a significant investment of business activities and will not only help us further improve our current range of services, but also increase the satisfaction of dealers, distributors and ultimately, end customers. ”

Cherishable cooperation
Rik Pek, Managing Director Broekman Logistics: “The relationship with Kubota is very dear to us as a company, but also to me personally. After consecutive years of growth, it was time to further intensify our cooperation and provide Kubota with a state-of-the-art warehouse. I have been experiencing for years how well the values of our companies match. We are both very entrepreneurial, pay attention to people and value long-term relationships. We are very enthusiastic about the current cooperation with Kubota and look forward to continuing this in Weert.”

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BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open: BGL (Burhill Group Limited) is delighted to announce that a member of the greenkeeping team from its Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes has been selected to be part of the support team at this year’s Open Championship.

Sam Norman, who joined the BGL group and Abbey Hill in 2018, has been selected as one of just two apprentices who will join the support team at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in the week prior to the 151st Open. At the event, he’ll share responsibilities such as hand-mowing Hoylake’s greens, before joining the famed bunker raking squad that follows each group during The Open Championship tournament days.

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

Norman’s selection further demonstrates BGL’s continued commitment to supporting staff development across the group, by providing its teams with the best opportunities to grow their skillsets and enhance their CVs.

“I’m very excited to head up to Royal Liverpool Golf Club for this summer’s Open Championship,” commented Norman. “To be selected as one of just two apprentices to join the greenkeeping team in July is a great honour, and I’m looking forward to having the chance to represent Abbey Hill and BGL, and hopefully learn a huge amount at such a high-profile event.”

Colin Mayes, CEO of BGL (Burhill Group Limited), added: “Everybody at BGL is extremely proud of Sam for being selected as one of just two apprentices to work at golf’s most historic event. We’re passionate and committed to supporting our staff in their endeavours to develop their careers. Whether it be via our internal learning platform or national programmes, we’re delighted to offer opportunities for personal and professional development and champion the success of our people.”

Since joining in 2018, Norman has grown to become one of Abbey Hill Golf Centre’s most valued employees. He secured a full-time role on the greenkeeping team in 2021, and his stellar efforts saw him recognised as Abbey Hill’s Employee of the Year for 2022.

In early 2023, Norman’s BIGGA membership gave him the chance to apply to be part of the greenkeeping team at The 151st Open. He was one of more than 60 applicants and, following a conversation with Royal Liverpool Golf Club’s Links Manager, James Bledge, he was selected for the role.

The BGL group continues to be an industry-leader in personnel career development. The group offers an Online Training Academy platform, which contains more than one thousand training courses which are accessible to team members throughout the group. It also actively encourages employees to explore external development opportunities that they find interesting and feel will further their careers.

For more information on BGL (Burhill Group Limited), visit www.bglcompany.co.uk

For more information on Abbey Hill Golf Centre, visit www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk

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John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications: Applications are now open for the 2024 John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme, which will see seven British and Irish greenkeepers travel to Florida to help prepare the world-famous Stadium Course for the best golfers on the planet.

The volunteers are chosen from each of BIGGA’s five regions, in addition to an international member, and one GSCAI member from Ireland. They will join the TPC Sawgrass maintenance and agronomy team in the build-up to The Players Championship from 9-19 March 2024.

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

With all travel, accommodation and uniform costs covered by John Deere as part of its BIGGA Premium Partner relationship, volunteers will be fully integrated into the TPC Sawgrass pre-tournament team – an opportunity that may see them mowing the first tee before play starts, preparing the iconic 17th hole, or raking the bunkers as play gets underway.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any greenkeeper,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf. “Going to volunteer at TPC Sawgrass presents a fantastic opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and experience, and you’ll meet many like-minded professional greenkeepers from across the globe.”

The 2023 cohort of greenkeeper volunteers included Assistant Course Manager Alex Brougham from Trentham Park Golf Club, Senior Greenkeeper Peter Lewis from Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Deputy Head Greenkeeper Eddie Irvine from Trump International Aberdeen, and Course Manager Mark Tucker from Temple Golf Club.

Each greenkeeper became an integral part of the team, preparing the course well ahead of the practice rounds and working until the tournament concluded, using the huge fleet of John Deere machinery from the Sawgrass maintenance compound.

Eddie Irvine said: “The experience has helped me improve as a person and in my profession, by enabling me to move forwards with my career.

Alex Brougham added: “I learnt a lot from the Sawgrass greenkeeping team, and by networking with the other volunteers. I left with a better understanding of how the team operates at one of the best championship golf courses in the world. I’m now aiming to utilise as much of that knowledge as possible back at Trentham Golf Club.”

Karl Hansell, BIGGA’s Head of Communications and Marketing, accompanied the group to Sawgrass in March 2023.

Karl said: “Having worked at BIGGA promoting this wonderful initiative for seven years, I thought I had some understanding of TPC Sawgrass and what the trip entailed. But nothing could prepare me for the actual experience of being there.

“The TPC Sawgrass agronomy team was so welcoming that the greenkeepers accompanied were made to feel right at home, and several previous John Deere volunteers now return every year at their own expense, such was their enjoyment of the trip.

“I can’t recommend this experience enough.”

The 2023 Championship at TPC Sawgrass saw American Scottie Scheffler win the tournament five shots clear of Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, shooting 17 under par for the tournament.

The application process is open to all full BIGGA members over the age of 21, who have been a full member for at least 12 months. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023, and you can fill in your application online at the BIGGA website now.

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FairWays Foundation to open grant application

FairWays Foundation to open grant application: The FairWays Foundation has now awarded over $440,000 worth of grant funds to 29 projects across the USA, Canada and the UK since 2020. This year sees the foundation carry out it’s 4th grant cycle with the application window opening February 1. The submission window will remain open until April 30, 2023 and successful grant recipients will be notified in October 2023.

The FairWays Foundation is a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding our environment, supporting conservation-based projects; big and small by granting funds to successful applicants globally.

FairWays Foundation to open grant application

FairWays Foundation to open grant application

The conservation-focused non-profit encourages all businesses or individuals to apply who are looking for funding assistance for projects pertaining to our environment and natural resources. Find out how to apply.

To view more information about all the projects that have being supported so far, click here.

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