Claas say the high level of support from their dealer network for the new, in-house apprenticeship based at the Claas Academy at Saxham is evident in the fact that the new course starting this Autumn is fully booked,
The manufacturer boasts they are 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 their Academy at their headquarters.
Saxham intake: From England and Wales there are:
Amelia Kitchen, Charlie Denny, Luke Newell (CLAAS MANNS); Daniel Simpson, Daniel Thompson, Finnlay Carson, Frazer Hornby, Ruby Cutts (CLAAS EASTERN); Ben Matthews, William Vellacott (CLAAS WESTERN); Alfie Hay, Andrew Spark, Archie Burkill, Finlay Stobbs, James Walker, Owen Clapham, William Hall (RICKERBY); Joshua Bailey (MORRIS CORFIELD); Oliver Lowe (OLIVERS); Joseph Wayte (RIVERLEA); Sam Whiteman (Alkmonton Tractors). Also joining from KELLYS in Ireland are Ciaran Joyce and Emmet McKinley.
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.
SRUC Barony intake:
Archie Kerr, Callum Adams and Luke McBurnie (GORDONS); Ivor Smith (GEDDES) and Lewis Bruce (SELLARS)
Claas say their new in-house apprenticeship scheme was introduced to help raise the standard of newly qualified engineers. By ‘growing their own’ the company say they can ensure that the engineers of the future have been fully trained on the 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.
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 training facilities. 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.
