News 2008

The success of the CLAAS UK apprenticeship scheme was evident recently, when CLAAS recognised the achievements of six new apprentice graduates in a presentation at the CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham.

Watched by the latest intake of 12 new students, who have just started their four-year National Diploma in Land Based Technology, which is run in conjunction with Writtle College at Chelmsford, the six new graduates were presented with their certification by Clive Last, Chairman of CLAAS UK.

As part of their course the six, who come from the length and breadth of England, had the opportunity to train at the CLAAS headquarters at Harsewinkel in Germany, and last year had the opportunity to work for three months with CLAAS dealers in New Zealand.

Speaking at the presentation, Clive Last highlighted the important role that well trained technicians have in an industry where machinery is increasing in size and output, but being sold through fewer, larger dealerships. He also highlighted the importance that CLAAS as a non-quoted, privately owned family company place on its employees and their training, a fact which was recognised earlier this autumn when CLAAS UK was awarded an unprecedented third EDGE training Award.

Having completed this first stage in their agricultural engineering education, after gaining four years experience, the new graduates will have the opportunity to qualify for CLAAS Master Mechanic status for specific products, before progressing to the higher Master Technician level.