John Deere has launched a new free online careers event targeted at former and soon-to-be ex-servicemen and women to consider joining its dealership network as qualified technicians.

With many transferrable skills, those with experience of military machines will be perfectly placed for a new career working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and turfcare equipment, says Deere.

The machinery manufacturer has announced that it will hold a free online careers event on 1 September 2022, where attendees will hear from individuals who have transitioned from military service into the John Deere dealership network.

A new career

One speaker will be ex-serviceman William Foster who left the Army after 23 years’ service and completed multiple operational tours including Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Upon leaving, he was faced with the prospect of securing new employment – a task further complicated by the first Covid lockdown beginning just four days after he left the services.

Although he didn’t get the first job he originally applied for at John Deere, it did, however, make him more determined to pursue a career within the agricultural engineering sector and focus his attention on how to best achieve his goals. “Not getting that job made me realise just how much I wanted to work with John Deere,” says William.

“I decided to own that dream, put a professional spin on it and see if I could turn it into my next full career.”

Military similarities

To gain experience, William volunteered his time at one of John Deere’s dealerships and secured a job at another, before finally landing his ultimate job as an agricultural engineer at Ben Burgess in Oakham, Rutland.

“The similarities between this role and my career in the Army are uncanny,” he adds. “I look at the depot as my forward operating base, the surrounding areas as my area of responsibility and the enemy as being breakdowns to deal with.

“If you can fix a tank, you can fix a tractor.”

‘Breath of fresh air’

The laissez-faire approach to leadership within the network is a breath of fresh air compared with the more autocratic one found in the Army. This was a welcome change for William, who first enlisted aged 17.

“One of the things I enjoy the most about my new role is that I can talk to my line managers and bosses like I talk to my former colleagues,” he explains.

“We have mutual respect, but the pomp and ceremony are no longer there. I also love that the iconic sense of humour so prevalent within the services is as alive and kicking in the workshop as it was on the tank park.”

How to register

John Deere is holding an online careers event for anyone who wants to find out more about the role of a qualified technician, working in either the turf or agricultural sector, on 1 September at 7pm.

The event is open to all who register for free on this link: https://JohnDeereCareers.eventbrite.co.uk.