Supporting veterans in agriculture and engineering

At Ben Burgess, we proudly support the John Deere Military Hiring Program (JDMHP), helping veterans and service leavers transition into fulfilling careers in the land-based engineering and agricultural sectors. If you’re leaving the military and looking for a dynamic, hands-on career with long-term prospects, we’re here to guide you on that journey.

Why choose a career in agriculture?

Military veterans bring invaluable skills to the agricultural industry, including technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. The transition from military service to agriculture is seamless, offering veterans opportunities to apply their mechanical, logistical, and operational experience in a thriving industry that values discipline, adaptability, and teamwork.

We are passionate about giving back to those who have served our nation. Programs like this create a mutually beneficial opportunity:

  • For service members: Assisting in their transition, helping build resumes, and offering industry knowledge.
  • For our company: Gaining highly skilled and disciplined talent, while learning from veterans’ expertise.
  • For local communities:Strengthening the workforce and driving economic growth.

Opportunities with Ben Burgess

We’re proud to have veterans in our team who have successfully transitioned from military service into rewarding careers with us through the JDMHP. Whether you’re interested in hands-on technician roles or specialist engineering positions, there are a variety of pathways to explore. Many of our team members bring experience from backgrounds like the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), adding valuable skills and a strong work ethic to our depots across the business.

John Deere’s core values are at the heart of everything we do: Integrity, Quality, Commitment, and Innovation. This is a team-based environment focused on ensuring farmers, greenkeepers, construction, and forestry workers remain operationally effective at all times. Working within your area of responsibility, you will be a force multiplier, instrumental in keeping things running using the wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience gained throughout your military service.

Start your journey

 

More than a job: A career that makes a difference

The John Deere network is actively scouting for members of the armed forces who can bring their skills to fulfil its mission through teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and commitment. Working for a John Deere dealership is bigger than just a job; it’s being part of a family with continuous professional development at its core. It’s a path to achieving your own aspirations, taking pride in yourself and your team, and understanding that your work directly impacts how we feed, clothe, and shelter the world.

The support we offer

  • Guidance & mentorship: Our team helps veterans understand the career opportunities available and provides hands-on support.
  • Training & development: We offer specialist training and qualifications to ensure a smooth transition into agricultural engineering roles.
  • Career opportunities: With multiple depots and a strong industry presence, we provide career growth across the UK.
  • Wellbeing: Through our employee benefits package we offer support for mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, pension plans through to shopping and cinema discounts.

Success stories

Will Foster, a former British Army veteran, has been a strong advocate for veterans transitioning into agriculture. His journey from military service to the agricultural industry has been featured in Farmers Weekly, podcasts, and industry events. His story, along with others, highlights the success of veterans finding new purpose and opportunity in this field.

Hear Will’s story about transitioning from the British Army to the agricultural machinery sector in this podcast. He shares how his military experience shaped his skills and the challenges he faced moving into the private sector.

Listen Now

Become a John Deere certified technician

In an ever-changing world, we need to continue to support our customers like we have for over 180 years. Our vision is to ensure our customers are the most profitable and sustainable in the world.

Technicians play a critical role in this mission. They help keep the wheels and tracks in motion, ensuring our food supply remains uninterrupted. Never has this industry been so important.

John Deere is a proud industry partner and actively welcomes transitioning active-duty service members and ex-service members to participate in dealership opportunities. With continuous training and support, you can confidently transition into a career in agricultural, turf, construction, or forestry machinery.

Start your career today

We are always looking to welcome new talent from the armed forces into our team. Our dealers are located from coast to coast, so you can plant your roots near your community of choice.

Working for a John Deere dealer, you can count on:

  • Competitive pay
  • Advanced training
  • Career development
  • Openings nationwide

All interested service members and ex-service members can apply today! Start your journey towards becoming a John Deere Certified Technician.

Apply now