APPRENTICE TRAINING TAKEN 'IN-HOUSE'

As from February 2022, in an industry first, Claas UK will be taking their apprentice training ‘in-house’ in a new dedicated Apprenticeship Academy directly adjacent to the Claas Academy, on the site of the company's UK headquarters at Saxham.

Claas say the development of the new purpose built Apprentice Academy will make them the only UK agricultural machinery manufacturer to offer and deliver an in-house apprenticeship programme that is all under one roof.  It’s also a worldwide first for the Claas Group and with a significant investment of 3 million Euros, the programme will provide a blueprint for the development of similar schemes within the company’s global operation.

To date Claas has seen over 200 apprentices graduate and grow within their dealer network. This has been as a direct result of the commitment and support of their dealer network and the existing training providers. 

However, the company says they recognise that in order to stay ahead they have to keep on running. The original apprenticeship program was created 20 years ago and as their product portfolio and technology has changed, so the training schemes also need to keep apace of these new developments. 

Hence their decision to focus on the importance of 'growing their own' to ensure that their dealership staff of the future have the technical skills and product knowledge required by the customers and their dealer network to provide a first class service.

Andrew Dunne, academy manager said “Our new generation of apprentices will receive specific product training throughout their apprenticeship programme and will be fully integrated and accustomed to Claas, leading to further qualification and progression within the dealerships once qualified.”

The company says they will continue its close working relationships with the current partner colleges to ensure all their existing apprentices complete their programmes successfully and continue their careers at Claas. 

The Academy's inaugural intake of apprentices from dealerships will commence in February 2022, with a further cohort joining the scheme in autumn 2022. Initially Claas UK will be delivering the Land-Based Service Engineer Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, but as the Academy develops it is planned to expand apprentice numbers and courses available.

The apprenticeship programs will be delivered by Claas dedicated trainers alongside specialist product trainers from the Academy. In preparation for the new programme, not only has an Apprenticeship Academy been established on site, the Claas Academt itself has been extended and remodelled to provide additional bespoke facilities for the apprentices, namely 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.

Claas UK has received full Government approval to join the apprentice training register. In the future the manufacturer will also be collaborating with the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) to deliver apprenticeships for Scottish candidates from the new Apprentice Academy at Saxham.

“This is a significant strategic step for the development and sustainability of our business,” explains Brian Wain, chief operating officer for Claas UK. “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.”