CLAAS Hosts International Discussion on National Apprenticeship Day

OMAHA, NE -- Providing opportunities for all talents, strengths and interests is how a community improves itself and its citizens. In fact, according to ApprenticeshipUSA, there were 4,332 registered apprentices who served in the agriculture industry in 2024. This was a 56 percent increase since 2019. 

On April 30, 2025, Nebraska officials recently gathered in Omaha to discuss the economic and business benefits of trade school partnerships with representatives from the German American Chamber of Commerce, area business leaders and trade school educators during a roundtable discussion sponsored by CLAAS and Graepel North America. This event was the first stop on the Skills Initiative Roadshow 2025, a multi-site tour aimed at fostering the development of regional partnerships between German companies and U.S. apprenticeship providers.

“We know that as equipment advances and more innovations come online, we are going to need a highly trained workforce to build and maintain these machines,” says Matthias Ristow, President and Managing Director Business Administration at CLAAS Omaha Inc. “We hope by sharing how we have implemented educational programs like this encourages others to consider an apprenticeship program. Through our program CLAAS can not only teach participants the skills they need to do the job as well as critical thinking and communications skills that benefit the company and the worker.”

Apprenticeships Offer Win-Win Scenario

Nebraska officials including Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska State Chamber President Bryan Slone participated in the discussion, which was held at CLAAS headquarters. The robust apprenticeship program at CLAAS Omaha is modeled after the German dual education system, which combines practical, on-the-job training with theoretical education in vocational schools. 

“Apprenticeship programs are key to growing our workforce and providing employers with the skilled labor they need,” said Gov. Pillen. “Apprenticeships are equally important for lifting up our kids, introducing them to career opportunities and then giving them the skills and experience that will help them to stand out when seeking permanent employment.” 

Apprenticeships require both on-the-job instruction and classroom learning and must be agreed to in a written agreement. The agreement is then approved in Nebraska by the Office of Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships in farm equipment manufacturing and servicing are approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

“Supporting the communities where CLAAS equipment is manufactured and where CLAAS customers are a key fixture to us,” adds Ristow. “Increasing apprenticeship programs in Nebraska could offer new opportunities and boost our rural economies.”