CLAAS is the only UK machinery manufacturer to offer and deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship scheme, using new purpose built facilities. Opened earlier this year the new Academy is an integral part of the CLAAS ACADEMY at the CLAAS UK Saxham headquarters site.
Following the inaugural intake of students in February, a further 23 students from dealerships throughout England, Wales and Ireland arrived at Saxham for the start of their 4-year block-release course in September.
A further cohort of students from dealerships in Scotland have also been welcomed onto their course provided and run by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) Barony near Dumfries.
The new CLAAS in-house Apprenticeship scheme was introduced to help raise the standard of newly qualified engineers. By ‘growing our own’ CLAAS UK can ensure that the engineers of the future have been fully trained on the very latest CLAAS machinery and that they have the skill set to keep them abreast of technological advancements within the industry, including key franchises offered by the CLAAS dealer network.
During their apprenticeship, the students will study for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Land-Based Service Engineering Technician, delivered by dedicated CLAAS trainers alongside specialist product trainers from the main CLAAS ACADEMY.
The new Apprentice Academy with its purpose built facilities and specialist fabrication, engine workshops and classrooms, in addition to break-out areas and on-site restaurant, provide the students with some of the best training facilities in the UK. The 3 million Euros development 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.
