An-in-house training academy run by a farm machinery maker at its Suffolk site has been praised by Ofsted inspectors - who said the attitude of its students was "outstanding".

The inspectors gave an overall rating of "good" in their inaugural report on the training provided by CLAAS UK at its headquarters in Saxham, Bury St Edmunds.

"Apprentices develop the high-level technical skills they need to service and repair machinery such as tractors and combines," said inspectors.

"They learn from trainers with extensive land-based engineering experience using the latest industry-standard facilities."

The behaviour and attitude of students was rated "outstanding", and the structure of the CLAAS apprenticeship course was rated "good".

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

"Trainers expertly structure the content of courses to meet apprentices’ and employers’ needs."

Inspectors also recognised the support given to develop students' mathematical, English and presentational skills including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"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," they said.

The CLAAS Academy was launched in 2022 by CLAAS - which is a family-run German farm machinery maker.

The Claas family - which owns a farm estate nearby at Troston - has a long association with Suffolk and the firm decided to base its UK operations in the county. 

Joe Bonito, head of CLAAS Academy, said: “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 CLAAS UK 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.”

CLAAS UK has welcomed this year’s new apprentice intake of 30 students to the Saxham site for their Apprentice induction and the start of their first training block. In all, they will receive more than four years' of training.

This autumn 19 completed their four-year land-based engineering apprenticeship and started their careers as fully qualified CLAAS service engineers.CLAAS apprentices who completed their four-year land-based engineering apprenticeship (Image: CLAAS)and started their careers as fully qualified CLAAS service engineers.

In early October, CLAAS UK welcomed 16 of them along with their family members and dealership representatives to Saxham for their graduation ceremony.