Claas UK welcomes 18 new apprentices to academy induction

Claas remains the only UK agricultural machinery manufacturer registered as an apprenticeship training provider to deliver a dedicated in-house programme entirely under one roof. This year’s intake includes students from eight UK Claas dealerships – Claas Eastern, Claas Manns, Claas Western, Morris Cofeild, Rickerby, Sellars, Gordons and Riverlea – as well as three dealerships from Ireland: Breens, Kellys and Leinster Farm Machines.

Over the next four years, apprentices will first work towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Land-Based Service Engineering before progressing to the Level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Standard.

For the block release stages of their training, apprentices will be based at the Claas Academy’s purpose-built facilities, which include dedicated fabrication, hydraulic and electrical workshops alongside modern classrooms. Their tuition will be delivered by Claas’s own trainers and product specialists, ensuring that these engineers of the future receive the highest level of instruction on the latest Claas machinery, as recognised by Ofsted.

Established in 2022, the Claas Apprentice Programme was designed to deliver exceptional training, knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of Claas dealers and their customers. The course provides access to hands-on experience with the full Claas product range and enables apprentices to become fully immersed in the company’s culture, technology, and ethos.

During its first full Ofsted inspection last year, the Claas Academy and its team of apprentice trainers and coordinators were commended for the strong progress and quality of development achieved within the in-house Apprenticeship Programme.

Inspectors also highlighted how apprentices acquire the advanced technical skills required to service and repair complex agricultural machinery, such as tractors and combines, under the guidance of trainers with extensive land-based engineering experience and access to industry-leading facilities.

Completion of the apprenticeship marks only the beginning of a broader career pathway, offering opportunities to advance to Master Mechanic product specialisation and ultimately to Master Technician level – a role that will see them support and mentor future generations of Claas apprentices.