Claas is reporting a high level of interest in its Agricultural Apprenticeship scheme, as students look at the opportunities a career in the sector can afford them.
Learning to be the next generation of service engineers, 16 new apprentices have been enrolled by Claas dealers across the north of England to take part in the scheme at SRUC Barony.
The 2021 cohort is one of the largest intakes of students since Claas first introduced the opportunity to train at Barony, near Dumfries, in 2008. Ahead of starting the course, the students attended an induction day where they learnt about the college and the course they will be undertaking over the next four years.
For three years, the students will attend the campus on a block-release basis, spending 36 weeks at the college. During this time they will be given comprehensive training in a wide range of technical skills. When not on campus, they will spend their time at the sponsoring dealership, putting their newly learnt skills to the test.
In addition, the students will be invited to the Claas Academy at Saxham for specific product training, prior to undertaking advanced technical and industry training in their fourth year.
Having qualified and now working at their Claas dealership, graduates will then have access to ongoing training and development and the opportunity to move into more specialised or management roles within the dealership or at Claas UK.