Little Saxham, near Bury St Edmunds – CLAAS UK Limited, a leading provider of farm machinery, has been highly commended by Ofsted for its apprenticeship training in land-based engineering. Following its first full inspection in September, the apprenticeship program was rated ‘good’ in four areas, with an ‘outstanding’ mark for apprentice behaviour and attitudes.

Launched in 2022, CLAAS’s apprenticeship program aims to address the demand for skilled land-based engineering technicians. Ofsted praised the program’s focus on developing technical skills for machinery maintenance and repair, noting that apprentices train with industry-experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment. According to Ofsted’s report, apprentices are gaining the essential skills needed to service equipment like tractors and combine harvesters and can immediately apply their learning.

“Apprentices develop the high-level technical skills they need to service and repair machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters,” the report stated. It highlighted CLAAS’s small group sessions and individualized coaching, which foster effective learning.

The report also recognized CLAAS’s partnerships with employers within its dealership network, ensuring that training meets industry needs. Apprentices are making substantial progress, attend classes regularly, and are highly motivated to master new skills. Their program also strengthens essential English and mathematical skills, further preparing them for careers in the field.

Inspectors also lauded CLAAS’s structured approach to teaching, which includes exposing apprentices to various career paths within land-based engineering, from tractor and forager work to combine harvester specialization.

Ofsted recommended a few improvements, encouraging CLAAS to help apprentices document and reflect on their learning and to raise awareness of unique challenges within the farming sector, such as mental health and isolation. The report also suggested further training for CLAAS managers and trainers to better support apprentices with undisclosed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

At the time of inspection, CLAAS UK’s apprenticeship program enrolled 40 apprentices.