It is 20 years since Claas UK launched their apprenticeship program and this has gone from strength to strength, with a record number of apprentices joining the scheme in 2020.
In light of the increased demand for good quality apprenticeships the company has now made the decision to raise their apprentice programme to a new level.
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 award winning Claas Academy on the site of the Claas UK headquarters at Saxham.
The development of the new purpose built Apprentice Academy will make Claas 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, 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, many of whom are progressing within their careers.
This has been as a direct result of the commitment and support of their dealer network and the existing training providers.
The decision to take the apprenticeship programme in-house, rather than continuing with a third party, will allow Claas UK to fully integrate their apprentices into the culture of Claas, its extensive product range and its ethos.
Specific product training
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.
Claas 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 Class Academy inaugural intake of apprentices from Claas 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.
