John Deere

John Deere UK plays a vital role in the broader John Deere global network, delivering advanced agricultural, turf, construction and forestry equipment tailored to the needs of UK customers. With a commitment to sustainable innovation and community impact, John Deere supports local economies through its UK operations and extensive Dealer Network. The company’s dedication to engineering excellence is matched by its focus on inclusive recruitment – particularly its efforts to support the Armed Forces community in making successful career transitions.

Identifying veteran employees, John Deere UK tracks the employment of veterans both within its core UK branch and across the wider Dealer Network. Veterans are asked to self-identify during the recruitment process, which enables the company to offer tailored support from the outset. The business currently employs four veterans directly and over 50 within its national network of dealerships and partners. John Deere also actively monitors the progress and retention of these individuals, reporting a 100% retention rate among Armed Forces community members – significantly higher than average. Recruiting veterans, at the centre of John Deere’s veteran recruitment strategy is the John Deere Military Hire Program, which provides a structured pathway for service leavers to transition into civilian roles across the UK Dealer Network.

Candidates joining the program benefit from a guaranteed interview, conducted by the UK and Ireland Training Manager to understand individual preferences, location needs and professional goals. This personal approach ensures candidates are matched to appropriate roles and mentors, setting the foundation for long-term success. In the past year alone, the network has recruited 12 veterans through this programme, and currently supports a pipeline of 75 additional service leavers actively engaged in training and transition preparation. Dedicated pathways, the Military Hire Program includes two initial levels of online training that can be completed during the resettlement period. Once a candidate is placed within a dealership, they receive an additional 24 months of hands-on, certified training through the John Deere Certified Technician Program. This globally recognised qualification ensures participants are ready to excel in high-tech, fast-paced Land-Based Engineering roles. The training is delivered free of charge to both the veteran and the employer and combines classroom instruction with real-world application using modern diagnostic tools and machinery. Each participant is supported by an Individual Development Plan (IDP), created with their manager to chart a clear route for professional growth, upskilling and potential promotion within the business.