Ofsted praise for Apprentice Programme

• In its first full inspection by Ofsted, the CLAAS Academy and its team of Apprentice trainers and Coordinators have been recognised for the commendable progress and development of the CLAAS in-house Apprenticeship Programme

CLAAS is the only UK machinery manufacturer to deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship programme under one roof as a registered apprenticeship training provider. Established in 2022, the decision to bring the apprenticeship programme in-house as part of the CLAAS Academy, delivered by dedicated CLAAS trainers alongside specialist trainers from the Academy, was curated to provide CLAAS Apprentices with the highest level of training, knowledge and skills to better meet the demands and expectations of both CLAAS dealers and their customers. At the same time, the course provides the cohort with access and specialist training on all the latest CLAAS products and enables the students to be fully integrated into the culture of CLAAS, its extensive product range and its ethos.

In their inaugural report of the training that the students receive, CLAAS UK achieved an overall rating of ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors, confirming: ‘Apprentices develop the high-level technical skills they need to service and repair machinery such as tractors and combines. They learn from trainers with extensive land-based engineering experience using the latest industry-standard facilities.’

‘Apprentices benefit from training in small groups and receiving individual coaching from trainers. Apprentices are highly motivated to learn new skills which they practice at work.’

In terms of the structure of the CLAAS Apprenticeship course, the report again recognised this as ‘Good’ and rated the Behaviour and Attitude of students as ‘Outstanding’.

‘Leaders work successfully with employers across the CLAAS dealership network. Leaders understand fully employers’ skills development needs and offer appropriate apprenticeships in response.’

‘Trainers expertly structure the content of courses to meet apprentices’ and employers’ needs. Apprentices learn about engineering materials and using hand tools safely. They learn how to manufacture components to the tolerance of exacting engineering drawings. This provides apprentices with a broad range of engineering skills that apply to their current job and a variety of engineering roles.’

‘Trainers build on apprentices’ understanding and knowledge in lessons most effectively. Trainers plan the subjects they teach logically.’

The inspectors also recognised how, more generally, the CLAAS Apprenticeship provides students with effective support where needed to develop their mathematical, English and presentational skills, and for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

In conclusion, the report stated that: ‘Trainers ensure that apprentices have a good understanding of the career opportunities in land-based engineering on completion of their apprenticeship. Apprentices know that they can progress quickly to the recognised status of Master Mechanic before working towards the coveted Master Technician.’

Commenting on the high praise from their initial Ofsted inspection, Joe Bonito, Head of CLAAS Academy beamed: “We’re thrilled to have received such a positive rating on our first Ofsted inspection. The rating is a direct reflection of the commitment and expertise of our team at CUK and the value our in-house approach offers to our new recruits. This hands-on experience not only prepares our apprentices for success in their roles throughout their course with us, but also  opens doors to accelerate their career opportunities at CLAAS.”

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