John Deere celebrates apprentices at its Mannheim Germany factory

Apprenticeships at John Deere combine constant learning and training, problem-solving and teamwork with rewarding employment. Talented apprentices choose John Deere to learn their craft and gain hands-on work experience.

Located on the Rhine River and known as the city of inventors, Mannheim in Germany is the site of one of John Deere's largest factories and has produced tractors since 1956.

Celebrating impressive milestones

Mannheim celebrated two impressive milestones. One, the factory marked 100 years since the first apprentices joined the factory. From that day, thousands have followed - young people who have since helped build the tools and machines that fed the growing world population.

And two, because since September, that number has grown by another 44.

38 new apprentices and 6 dual students have embarked on their new technical careers at John Deere's Mannheim factory. In the coming years, they will learn everything they need to work in one of the most dynamic and relevant industries: agriculture.

"The need for trained professionals is greater than ever – both in Germany and beyond. The skills shortage is real. This makes us especially happy to do our part in overcoming this challenge and educate the next generation of professionals in a variety of sectors. To our new 44 colleagues: Welcome to the John Deere family! Let’s keep it up for another 100 years," said John Deere.

Work at one of John Deere's largest production facilities

John Deere's Mannheim factory is an exciting place to work. A true powerhouse in the manufacturing industry, every three minutes a John Deere tractor rolls off the production line in Mannheim. About 3,300 employees help produce 40,000 tractors a year at the site, before the machines are exported all over the world. The factory is one of the most important employers in the city.

Due to the sharp increase in production, the factory is now the largest John Deere production facility outside North America. It is also the largest tractor production facility in Germany, as two-thirds of all tractors manufactured in Germany are produced in Mannheim. However, the plant is not only a production site. It is also a development site for all medium tractors from John Deere. More than 250 engineers work on the tractors of tomorrow and beyond. The main focus is on performance, comfort and efficiency. The factory also boasts an Event Space & Museum at Lindenhof, Mannheim [pictured below].

The training workshop at the Mannheim plant is also looking back and forward. In times of a shortage of skilled workers, it is becoming increasingly important for the company to train qualified young people. Currently, the training workshop offers 160 young people qualifications as mechatronics technicians, automotive mechatronics technicians, industrial mechanics, electronics technicians for industrial engineering and construction mechanics with a focus on welding technology.

The Mannheim location is well-equipped for the future. With the two millionth tractor and further investments in assembly having been made, the company sends an important signal to the more than 3,300 employees and the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region that it is moving forward.

Combining training with paid employment

With factories like Mannheim welcoming new colleagues, there has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship with John Deere. As the agricultural and turf machinery business becomes more technologically advanced, utilizing satellite navigation systems, Formula 1 transmission technology, computerized controls and advanced, fuel-efficient engines, the need for skilled people working in the industry becomes ever greater. It’s not just about the machines either. Sophisticated parts and service systems require the same skills too. The John Deere dealer of tomorrow is a challenging business, with a wide range of opportunities and exciting prospects for the right people. Whatever your interest, there is a role for you.

Like all apprenticeships, a John Deere program combines training with paid employment, leading to nationally recognized and valued qualifications. Apprentices are supported by a designated Learning Advisor and by employing dealers, gaining valuable workplace skills by undertaking practical tasks and experiencing real-life challenges. Apprentices are also provided with an individually tailored learning plan, with progress monitored by the Learning Advisor who makes regular visits to an apprentice in their dealership for on the job review and guidance.

Apprenticeship roles at John Deere include:

Agricultural Technician: With the emphasis firmly on farm machinery, apprentices develop skills and proficiency in a wide range of technical areas, from routine maintenance and servicing through to complex component overhauls utilizing the very latest John Deere diagnostic equipment.
Turf Technician: The Turf Technician apprenticeship develops exactly the same skills as its agricultural equivalent, but with the focus more on machines used by golf courses, sports grounds, local authorities, landscapers and country estates.
Parts Retailer: As a company John Deere is renowned not just for its machinery, but also for its outstanding parts and service support. Apprentices learn to manage John Deere’s sophisticated parts systems, run a profitable retail environment, merchandise goods effectively, and understand the value of John Deere products and the importance of selling on quality rather than on price.
Customer Service Advisor: This qualification teaches the principles of good customer service through work-based learning and on the job assessment. Apprentices learn how to coordinate routine maintenance work, understand John Deere warranty and service programs, schedule workshop jobs, identify new sales opportunities and win service business for the dealership.