How John Deere supports military personnel through its Military Hiring Program
John Deere is committed to supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, National Guard members, reservists as well as their spouses and dependents. As a result, John Deere created its Military Hiring Program to help those individuals kick-start their next career chapters.
This enduring commitment helps connect career-seeking individuals with local opportunities in various fields based on their experience, enabling them to transition into civilian life with confidence while offering attainable career pathways.
This is especially true for current Finch Turf employee Kevin Umanzor. Umanzor joined the Marine Corps back in 2014 where he first served as a clerk. After looking to change his military occupational specialty, he joined the U.S. Army in 2018 where he found himself servicing construction and heavy equipment for the military as a construction equipment repairer. This helped Umanzor gain valuable technician experience that would set him up for a successful career outside of the military.
Once Umanzor was ready to seek a civilian profession in 2024, he was introduced to a John Deere dealership, Finch Turf, through the Military Hiring Program. While looking for a job in Pennsylvania to be closer to home and family, Umanzor was presented with the opportunity to serve as Finch Turf’s first-ever program participant at their location in Hatfield, Pa.
Using his equipment service experience from the U.S. Army, Umanzor completed a four-month internship with Finch Turf where he learned how to work on the hydraulic systems and engines of various John Deere turf equipment models. He also learned how to use the John Deere ServiceADVISOR tool, which he noted was similar to those he worked on during his time in the military.
Once completing his Skill-Bridge Internship, Umanzor was offered a full-time position with Finch Turf, now working as an in-house technician.
“Through this program, I was taught everything that I needed to know to successfully pursue a civilian career with a John Deere dealer,” said Umanzor. “Finch Turf offers me a great work environment where I can grow my career, and I really like it here.”
Umanzor encourages others to follow in his footsteps, stating a military personnel’s next career move could be the perfect fit for long-term success.
“My advice is to take advantage of this program. Many active-duty people don’t know whether or not to stay in or get out, and this helped me take the next step in my career.”
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