STUDENTS START OFSTED HIGHLY RATED TRAINING

At the end of October, Claas UK welcomed this year’s new apprentice intake of 30 students to the Claas Academy at Saxham for their Apprentice induction and the start of their first training block.

Their arrival coincided with the publication of the first full inspection by Ofsted of the programme, in which they highly rate the training that the new apprentices will receive over the next four years of their course.

Claas is the only UK machinery manufacturer as a registered apprenticeship training provider to deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship under one roof. This year’s cohort is made up of students from 15 of their dealerships throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland who, over the next four years, will study for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Land-Based Service Engineering Technician. Based in their purpose-built facilities that include specialist fabrication, engine workshops and classrooms, their training will be delivered by dedicated Claas trainers, alongside specialist product trainers from the main Academy.

Ofsted praise

In its first full inspection by Ofsted, the Claas Academy and its team of apprentice trainers and coordinators have been recognised for the commendable progress and development of the in-house apprenticeship programme.

In their inaugural report of the training that the students receive, the manufacturer achieved an overall rating of ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors, confirming: "Apprentices develop the high-level technical skills they need to service and repair machinery such as tractors and combines. They learn from trainers with extensive land-based engineering experience using the latest industry-standard facilities."

In terms of the structure of the course, the report again recognised this as ‘Good’ and rated the behaviour and attitude of students as ‘Outstanding’.

The report said, "Leaders work successfully with employers across the Claas dealership network. Leaders understand fully employers’ skills development needs and offer appropriate apprenticeships in response."

In conclusion, the report stated that, "Trainers ensure that apprentices have a good understanding of the career opportunities in land-based engineering on completion of their apprenticeship. Apprentices know that they can progress quickly to the recognised status of Master Mechanic before working towards the coveted Master Technician."

Joe Bonito, head of Claas Academy said, “The rating is a direct reflection of the commitment and expertise of our team at Claas UK and the value our in-house approach offers to our new recruits. This hands-on experience not only prepares our apprentices for success in their roles throughout their course with us, but also opens doors to accelerate their career opportunities at Claas.”

The new intake of 30 students come from 15 dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland:

England
BW Mack (Downham Market)
Claas Eastern (Sleaford, Sinderby & Markham Moor)
Claas Western (Cirencester & Evesham)
Hamblys (Launceston & Bishops Lydeard)
Manns (Essex, Kent, Market Harborough & Halesworth)
Morris Corfield (Broseley)
Olivers (Reading & Winchester)
Rickerby (Carlisle, Penrith & Cornhill)

Wales
Riverlea (Cowbridge)

Scotland
Gordons (Dumfries)
Sellars (Oldmeldrum, Cupar, Letham)

Ireland
Breens (Cashel)
Erwins (Crumlin)
Kellys (Borris)
Leinster Farm Machines (Duleek)