John Deere, Army Reserves partnering to boost career access

The U.S. Army Reserve Private Public Partnership Office has reached an agreement with John Deere to help service members and their families access career opportunities as they transition to civilian life, the Moline-based Deere announced on Veteran’s Day.

The agreement enables Deere & Co. to provide active-duty soldiers, who are transitioning into the U.S. Army Reserves, with meaningful education and skills that will make them top candidates for future potential employment.  

Active-duty service members, National Guard or Reserve veterans or spouses who are interested in John Deere opportunities and information about the SkillBridge program can learn more here

“John Deere is honored to give back to our nation’s veterans by helping them translate the breadth of valuable knowledge and skills they retained during active duty and develop them into a new career path,” said David Ottavianelli, director of workforce and community development at Deere. “This partnership not only helps our soldiers and their families at a critical stage in life but will also support growth within our local communities and business.”

The new pact with the U.S. Army Reserve builds upon the Department of Defense’s (DOD) SkillBridge program, which helps place active-duty military members in civilian jobs during their final six months of military service. 

With Reserve members facing unemployment rates two to three times the national average, the global equipment manufacturing giant said in a new release, the internship allows veterans to receive on-the-ground training and industry education which can support overall mission readiness goals and enhance financial stability, as well as make them a better candidate for open positions. 

Since Deere joined the SkillBridge program in August 2020, more than 395 active-duty service members and veterans have participated in filling critical roles within the company and throughout Deere dealerships, the company said. John Deere also helps veterans through several transitioning and mentoring programs. 

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