Apprenticeships are a great way to start or grow your career. At Cornthwaite Group, you’ll gain hands-on experience, earn a salary, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification, whilst building skills, growing in confidence, and making a contribution from day one.
APPRENTICESHIPS WE OFFER AT CORNTHWAITE GROUP
SERVICE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP
Kick-start your career in agricultural engineering with our Service Technician Apprenticeship, designed for those passionate about machinery, technology, and problem solving. This exciting apprenticeship provides a pathway into the agricultural machinery sector, combining practical experience with industry-leading training.
Working alongside our experienced Technicians, you’ll develop skills across a range of technical areas using the latest John Deere equipment, gain real-world experience in a professional workshop and supported by structured off-the-job training to enhance your technical knowledge.
HOW LONG IS THE SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP?
The Level 2 program typically takes around 24 months and includes 14 weeks of block release training. Training takes place at John Deere’s dedicated training facilities in Nottinghamshire.
High performing Apprentices will have the opportunity to progress to the Level 3 qualification. This advanced stage typically takes a further 18 months and focuses on advanced diagnostics, preparing you for a highly skilled technical career within the agricultural engineering sector.
If you live and work in Scotland, the apprenticeship/ qualification framework is slightly different; instead of a Level 2 and 3 qualification in Land-Based Engineering, you'll work towards a Level 5 and Level 7 qualification in Engineering.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & ACHIEVE:
- Service, maintain & repair a wide range of agricultural machinery
- Use John Deere diagnostic technology to identify & resolve faults
- Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic & electronic systems
- John Deere Accredited Training
- Health & Safety regulations & best practices
- Strong customer service & teamwork skills
- Clear career pathway to become an Agricultural Service Technician
PARTS DIPLOMA
Begin a career towards becoming an Parts Representative with our Parts Diploma, designed for individuals who are organised, customer-focused, and interested in agricultural machinery.
The program combines technical product knowledge with business and customer service skills, preparing you to succeed in a John Deere dealership. Develop an understanding of the value and quality of John Deere parts, whilst communicating with customers across multiple channels: face-to-face, phone and online, preparing you for a dynamic and customer-driven role.
HOW LONG IS THE PARTS DIPLOMA PROGRAM?
The program typically takes around 24 months and includes eight, one-week block release training sessions at John Deere’s training facility in Nottingham.
Alongside in-person training, you’ll benefit from online learning and ongoing support, including regular review visits from your Development Advisor to help you stay on track and progress confidently.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & ACHIEVE:
- Operate and use sophisticated parts systems
- Develop professional customer service and communication skills
- Gain a recognised Parts Diploma Qualification
- Receive John Deere accredited training
- Build a clear career pathway to becoming an Agricultural Parts Representative
OTHER APPRENTICESHIPS
In addition to our core programs, we occasionally offer apprenticeships in other departments, providing exciting opportunities to begin a career in the agricultural industry. These vary each year depending on business needs, offering an opportunity to explore roles in areas such as marketing or administration.
In 2025, we introduced our first Marketing Apprenticeship. Alongside structured learning through Kendal College’s Multi-Channel Marketing course, with regular college training to support the theoretical side of the role, we provide hands on experience in all aspects of marketing.
If you’re interested in a specific apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at careers@cornthwaitegroup.com to discuss current opportunities or to see if we can support your chosen apprenticeship route.
WHAT DO OUR APPRENTICES HAVE TO SAY…
SERVICE APPRENTICE, JOSH
I’d heard positive things about the John Deere Service Apprenticeship, so when I saw it advertised at Cornthwaites, I was really interested. So far it's been exceptional. The jobs I'm given are valuable for an Apprentice and the training has been balanced; the theory content I learn, is put into practice at work.
I receive training at the John Deere in Nottingham; the tuition is 20% theory/ 80% practical. We go into detail and anything learnt in the classroom, we perform in the workshop, ensuring we fully understand. When I’m at work, a John Deere Development Rep visits to see how I’m getting on and set me tasks.
I’ve learnt new skills and plenty of knowledge of services and repairs on various machinery. My communication skills have massively improved; I can inform customers about problems more confidently as my knowledge has grown.
My favourite thing about working for Cornthwaite Group is the people; the team are always happy to help and teach me new things! With 1.5 years left of my apprenticeship, I hope to continue working here and progressing further.
PARTS APPRENTICE, FAYE
My dad's always owned John Deere’s from Cornthwaite Group and growing up I loved helping him and with farming tasks. After completing work experience in the Parts team at Cornthwaite’s Bispham Green depot, I signed up for a Parts Apprenticeship with them. I liked the idea of earning money whilst gaining experience and meeting new people instead of a full-time college course.
My experience has been excellent, I’ve met people country-wide also completing the John Deere Parts Diploma, and I’ve enjoyed learning how each workplace varies. I receive training at John Deere in Nottingham and first-hand support from colleagues. This has taught me varied sales skills as well as furthering my parts knowledge and utilising different parts systems.
What I enjoy most about working for Cornthwaite Group is the amazing customers I meet. I thoroughly enjoy helping and building relationships with them! Looking ahead, I'd like to take on more responsibility and progress further within the company.
MARKETING APPRENTICE, LILY
I chose an apprenticeship with Cornthwaite Group because I was eager to build a career in the agricultural industry and the idea of learning on the job appealed to me more than anything else.
So far, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience, with strong support from my manager and colleagues across different departments. I have learnt plenty of new skills such as using digital tools, creating content and analysing data to help with decision making. My marketing knowledge has also grown massively with the work I have been completing on my ‘Multi-Channel Marketer’ college course I attend at Kendal College.
What I enjoy most about working for Cornthwaite Group is the people - I’m surrounded by a team who encourages growth and supports me in any situation. Having the opportunity to learn something new about the industry each day makes the role very exciting and varied too.
After completing my apprenticeship, I hope to continue working with Cornthwaite Group as a Marketing Assistant.
WHY CHOOSE CORNTHWAITE GROUP?
As one of the UK’s largest John Deere dealerships, Cornthwaite Group are a leading supplier of agricultural and groundcare equipment. We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, respectful and supportive working environment, and recognise that our people are key to our continued success.
For more information on the benefits of working at Cornthwaites Group, visit our page here - Careers | Cornthwaite Group
FAQS
1. WHO CAN APPLY FOR OUR APPRENTICESHIPS?
Our apprenticeships are open to anyone 16+ living in the UK, with no upper age limit. They are suitable for school leavers or people looking to retrain. Ideally, you'll have GSCE Maths, English and one other subject at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
2. DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE FOR A JOHN DEERE APPRENTICESHIP?
No prior experience is required, although a background or experience within the agricultural industry is desirable. If you want to get experience within the industry before applying for an apprenticeship.
3. HOW ARE THE APPRENTICESHIPS ASSESSED?
At the end of each level, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which may include:
- Practical tests
- Online exams
- Professional discussions
4. DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE ANY APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES?
All apprenticeship vacancies will be listed on our vacancies page here - Cornthwaite Group| Current Vacancies
5. HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
To apply, please send your CV to careers@cornthwaitegroup.com. The application process can include face-to-face interviews, work trials and multiple-choice or written tests, depending on the role.
6. WILL THERE BE A GUARANTEED JOB AT THE END OF MY APPRENTICESHIP?
We always aim to take on Apprentices after completing their course. However, an apprenticeship doesn’t guarantee a permanent job, and success often depends on performance and business needs.
7. WHAT ARE BLOCK RELEASE TRAINING SESSIONS?
Apprentices undertake training at John Deere's Training Centre in Nottingham, completing classroom and workshop-based tasks for around 1-2 weeks. You will stay in an approved hotel for the duration of the training, which we organise.
8. HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK WILL I WORK AS AN APPRENTICE?
Working hours depend on the role, typically for a Service Apprenticeship you'd work 40 hours p/week, and for other Apprenticeships you would work 35-40 hours p/week. Apprentices will not work over 40 hours p/week.
