Claas UK launched their apprenticeship programme 20 years ago, and in 2020 had a record number of apprentices join their industry-leading scheme.
Since the inception of Claas’ apprentice programme their product and technology portfolio has advanced, meaning that their apprentice programme also needs to remain updated to keep up with new developments.
From February 2022, Claas UK will be offering their apprentices ‘in-house’ training, at a new dedicated Apprenticeship Academy, directly adjacent to the award-winning Claas Academy, at the Claas UK headquarters in Saxham.
The purpose-built Apprentice Academy will be an industry first and makes Claas UK the only UK agricultural machinery manufacturer to offer and deliver an apprenticeship programme that is all under one roof.
The Claas Group have invested 3 million euros into the programme, and it will provide a blueprint for the development of similar schemes within Claas’ worldwide operation.
The decision to make the apprenticeship programme in-house will allow Claas UK to fully integrate their apprentices into the culture of Claas, its extensive product range and its ethos.
Initially, Claas UK will be delivering the Land-based Service Engineer Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, though, as the Academy develops, Claas intends to expand the number of courses available and the number of apprentices.
Claas UK has also received full Government approval to join the apprentice training register and will be collaborating in the future with the Scottish Rural College (SRUC), to deliver apprenticeships for Scottish candidates from the new Academy in Saxham.
The apprenticeship programs will be delivered by Claas dedicated trainers, as well as specialist product trainers from the Claas Academy – which has also been extended and remodelled to provide bespoke facilities for the new apprentices. These facilities include specialist fabrication, engine, hydraulic and electronic workshops, classrooms, and break-out areas. This expansion sees the Academy grow by a further five workshops and six classrooms, together with dedicated digital studios.
“In an industry which combines advanced technology with practical applications, we have to invest in the people who will be our future engineers, for our dealer partners, and our final customer, if we are all to succeed in the field,” said Brian Wain, chief operating officer for Claas UK.
