This year marks the 10th anniversary of Claas UK working with SRUC Barony to offer apprenticeship courses for students from Claas dealerships in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Claas says that it is still the only major machinery manufacturer to offer the option of studying either at SRUC Barony (Scotland) or at Reaseheath College (England).
The company says that the demand for a course based in Scotland is more than evident in the fact that, of the 25 new land-based Service Engineering and Parts Sales & Marketing apprentices starting their training this autumn, 16 of them are enrolled at SRUC Barony – the second largest intake there since the course started in 2008.
Some of the newly-enrolled apprentices at SRUC Barony (Scotland)
Over the first three years of their four-year apprenticeship, the students will receive college-based training, in addition to Claas-focused product and general technical training while working with their dealerships.
During their final fourth year, they undertake additional “advanced technical and industry training”.
Some of the newly-enrolled apprentices at Reaseheath College (England)
Those studying for the three-year Claas Parts Sales & Marketing apprenticeship, which is based at Reaseheath College, similarly split their time between formal training and practical time back at their supporting dealerships.
Upon completion of the course, they will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Operations, which is the equivalent of three ‘A’ Levels in the UK.
Irish apprentice
Richard Meaney, who is placed with Kellys, is the sole Irish apprentice listed as having started in 2018. He is attending SRUC Barony. The other apprentices are placed with a variety of UK dealerships.
In related news, 25 young technicians received their certificates at a recent graduation ceremony held at the Claas Training Academy at Saxham (England). Of these, 21 students were studying for the agricultural technician apprenticeship, with the remaining four completing the parts apprenticeship.
Some of the newly-qualified technicians and apprentices at the Claas Training Academy at Saxham (England)
Over half of the new graduates are from independent Claas dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland.
The tally of graduates included two Irish men – Francis Shannon (placed with Leinster Farm Machines, Duleek) and Andrew Shorten (placed with McCarthys, Cork).