Record apprentice numbers for John Deere & Babcock
A record 45 apprentices have signed up to begin John Deere's award winning Turf Tech, Ag Tech and Parts Tech apprenticeship programme for 2012.
The programme is managed by training provider Babcock, which delivers 10 per cent of all UK work-based apprenticeship programmes. The John Deere apprenticeship is the first land-based agricultural & turf machinery programme with training delivered in the workplace, with assessment and guidance from Babcock's team of expert learning advisers. Additional training takes place at Babcock's purpose built training facility at Ruddington, near Nottingham.
Babcock's training programme embeds John Deere's core subjects into the standard apprenticeship framework, in order to give both a Level 3 land-based qualification and a John Deere LTA Level 2 qualification within one learning programme.
This also links into John Deere's adult training programme at the John Deere University (JDU). The apprentices can go on to complete three free courses in their fourth year to gain the John Deere Diploma and start their adult training in JDU, using the knowledge and skills gained from the initial apprenticeship.
Babcock also provides a Parts Administration programme up to Level 3 (Advanced), with the majority of training delivered and assessed in the workplace. Additional training is provided at the John Deere Training Centre in Langar, Nottingham, on two occasions over this two year programme.
The first year Turf Tech apprentices and their sponsoring dealers are (not in order on photo): Martyn Rouse of Farol, Milton Common; Josh Bower and Daniel Hennah of Greenlay (Grass Machinery), Cramlington; Dan Barter of Masons, Chudleigh; Stuart Rattray of The Double A Trading Company, Cupar; and Joe Wright of Turner Groundscare, Chester.
Commenting on the partnership, Babcock's managing director, Alex Khan, said: "We're very pleased with the progression of apprenticeship delivery with John Deere. Since entering into the partnership just over a year ago, we have already seen the development of some exceptionally skilled apprentice engineers who will be crucial to the future of the UK's vital agricultural development. We're looking forward to working with this year's new intake."
John Deere Limited managing director Richard Johnson added: "With John Deere's advanced apprenticeship training now entering its 20th year, we are delighted that it has evolved to be the industry's leading programme, ensuring that we can meet our customers' future needs. This year's record intake is a credit both to the programme itself and to the investment that the John Deere dealer network is making in the future of our industry."
For further details and/or photographs, please contact:
Chris Wiltshire
John Deere Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1949 860491
Website: JohnDeere.com
The photograph shows the new 2012 intake of John Deere Turf Tech apprentices, with Babcock instructors Jason Day (far left) and Richard Jenkins (far right).