Claas has announced that its new in-house apprenticeship scheme, based at the Claas Academy at Saxham, is now fully booked for this autumn.
The company is the only UK machinery manufacturer to offer and deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship scheme, using new purpose-built facilities.
Following the inaugural intake of students in February, a further 23 students from dealerships across England, Wales and Ireland have arrived in Saxham for the start of their four-year block-release course.
A further cohort of students from Scottish dealerships have also been welcomed onto their course, provided and run by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) Barony, near Dumfries.
The apprenticeship scheme was introduced to raise the standard of newly qualified engineers. By doing this, Claas UK states that it can ensure apprentices are fully trained on the latest Claas machinery and have the skills to keep them abreast of technological advances.
During the apprenticeship, students will study for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Land-Based Service Engineering, delivered by dedicated Claas trainers alongside specialist product trainers from the main Claas Academy.
The new premises features specialist fabrication, engine workshops and classrooms, in addition to breakout areas and an on-site restaurant. The three million Euros investment is a worldwide first for the Claas Group and is being used as a blueprint for the instigation of similar programmes within the company’s global operation.