Operator Shortages: John Deere Launches Initiative to Train Operators

Known for its innovation in different fields, John Deere has now unleashed its new training courses aimed at helping relatively inexperienced operators gain much-needed skills and expertise required to excel in running heavy equipment.

Since many operators are eagerly awaiting opportunities to enhance their skills in a bid to be more constructive on work sites, John Deere has launched an initiative doing the needful. With its training options for operators who are relatively new in the market, it is expected that those who operate its earthmoving equipment will benefit from focused training that helps operate its equipment more effectively.

The move speaks about the value John Deere attaches to customer relationships. According to Matt Nolte who is a manager, and also sales and customer training professional, its customers were facing “daily challenges of operator shortages and attrition.”

This is a significant opportunity that allows new operators to train themselves. The skills that the operators gain will help ensure the business obtains high levels of service from their newly trained operators. With the right training and guidance, the new operators can work more efficiently and also increase productivity.

Operators looking for in-person training, there is a three-day training course that will help enhance their skills on different aspects. This training course will be held in Sacaton in Arizona and will teach the trainees different aspects related to their operations, from conducting the right and thorough machine walkalongs to teaching operators how to perform basic operations, the training will also focus on teaching how to operate all the key equipment of the equipment manufactured by John Deere.

Meant to train operators with less than a year of experience, each of the trainees who are a part of the program will be made to spend around half a day exploring different equipment that would allow them to increase their knowledge and skills. This will help them improve their performance on the job sites. Put it simply, this training course will significantly boost the efficiency of operators who currently have less experience.

Why this initiative was desperately needed in the construction sector

It is worth mentioning that there is a severe shortage of skilled operators all over the world, including the U.S. The shortage of trained operators has been a topic of discussion in the mainstream media, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Also, the number of skilled operators retiring are not being equally matched with the new number of skilled operators joining the workforce. Hence under such circumstances, the shortage of skilled operators has become a major issue. 

In order to overcome this issue, more initiatives are required to train and equip the operators with advanced skills that are comprehensive. John Deere has made a positive gesture that will help the society meet its developmental needs in the long run. Other companies must follow suit. If the right steps are taken immediately, then it will help overcome the shortage of skilled operators that threatens the proper functioning of the construction industry in the near future. 

Registration is open

Those who are interested in the in-person training course may register in the program which commences on December 3 and lasts till the 5th of December. Registration is now open. However, there are only a limited number of spots available, so if you are looking forward to being a part of the program, you need to apply immediately. 

The current program will be followed by additional training programs that will help boost the skills of operators at an advanced level. The idea behind these programs is to help operators improve their performance at all levels of their career and hence prove to be invaluable resources to their businesses.