John Deere apprentices outperforming national averages
Apprentices on John Deere's agriculture, turf and parts engineering programmes in the UK are reportedly outperforming national averages.
According to the American machinery giant, 90% of those who start a course with John Deere go on to successfully complete it.
This is noticeably higher than the national average in the UK, which is sitting around 60%, according to research by The Sutton Trust.
John Deere claims that 74% of its apprentices receive a merit or distinction in their End Point Assessment (EPA), the final, independent evaluation that an apprentice is required to pass to prove job competency.
A merit or distinction is only awarded to those scoring 75% or above, which is the broad equivalent to an A grade in A-levels in the UK.
This year was the fourth consecutive year that every apprentice completing John Deere's programme has passed their EPA, which John Deere said showcased the training apprentice technicians are receiving in the UK and Irish dealer network.
John Deere branch training manager Allan Cochran called the 91% programme achievement rate "something we are extremely proud of".
"To see almost three-quarters of our Level 3 apprentices achieving a merit or distinction shows they are not only completing the course, but performing at the very highest level.
"These results are a fantastic reflection of the commitment shown by our apprentices, their dealers and mentors, and everyone involved in delivering the programme.
"Our core values of commitment, quality and integrity are central to everything we do, and these results demonstrate those values in action," he said.
Cochran also congratulated every apprentice who has achieved a merit or distinction, and thanked the dealers, mentors and training staff that promote their learning and development.
John Deere apprenticeship partnership
John Deere apprentices are trained in partnership with ProVQ at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire.
ProVQ is a private training provider in the UK that is focused on automotive and land-based engineering.
The apprenticeship programme has been running for more than three decades, and in that time has produced over 1,400 individuals who have gone on to work in careers across the John Deere dealership network.
According to John Deere, the aim of the apprenticeship programme is to "help young people take their first step on the career ladder, and to mould and nurture those with the skills and desire to work in this industry".
