There are more than just high-quality combines being churned out of the CLAAS combine manufacturing facility in Omaha, Neb. The CLAAS mechatronics apprenticeship is a unique three-year program where students engage in classroom learning and on-the-job training to create a complete portfolio of knowledge, all while getting paid for their time.

“All that is required to be eligible for the program is a high school diploma or equivalent,” says Alex Pompa, technical training supervisor at CLAAS.

Pompa manages the program that leads to students gaining soft and hard skills, making them experts in every aspect of building machinery.

Three steps to success

This training program creates the space for students to receive a Dual Vocational Educational and Training certification, an associate degree and a guaranteed job. To achieve all these milestones, students must go through three parts of the apprenticeship.

“The first part is earning an associate degree through Metropolitan Community College,” Pompa says. “Part of the 40-hour workweek is dedicated to time spent working toward the degree. CLAAS pays for all aspects of college.”

Not only does CLAAS pay for the students’ education, but the company also pays for the time taken to sit in class in addition to tuition, books and fees.

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The second part of the training experience is CLAAS training at the Omaha facility.

“During the first two years of the apprenticeship, most of the time spent at CLAAS is dedicated to going through our mechatronics curriculum,” Pompa says. “This includes metalworking, fluid systems, electrical systems, mechanical systems and automation. In the apprentice’s third year, the concepts learned over the past two years are put to the test through project work and department shadowing.”

In this part of the apprenticeship, students are starting to gain technical skills. Pompa says that the main skill being developed is problem-solving.

“The truth is we cannot predict every future problem, and so we need to instill the ability to solve a challenge where there is no obvious solution,” he says. “If CLAAS apprentices learn this one skill, then their future is extremely bright.”

To round out the apprenticeship program is on-the-job training. Various tasks at this stage include working on the assembly line building the LEXION combine or in the repairs area diagnosing and fixing equipment.

“On-the-job training helps the apprentice try new departments and helps create potential career paths,” Pompa says.

Building combines into a career

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If you are graduating high school in May or just looking for a career change in a different field, this comprehensive program is a place to truly become an expert in the field. Pompa highlights a former apprentice who graduated in 2023 and made the most out of this program.

“Throughout the program, this individual pushed everyone to step up their effort and knowledge. This did not go unnoticed, which ultimately led to a post-graduation placement as a second trainer in our apprenticeship program,” Pompa says. “He exemplified that you get out what you put into your work. His attention to detail and hard work put into the program were direct drivers of his post-apprenticeship path.”

Everyone wants to be able to use their higher education in a potential career path. Graduates of this program can use this knowledge practically in their career.  

“Apprentices will undoubtedly become an asset to CLAAS. Through on-the-job training and shadowing of various departments, their future will be based on individual interests, skills and on business needs,” Pompa says.   

If you are interested in learning more about this program or know of someone who would be interested in becoming an apprentice at CLAAS, visit claas.com/en-ca/career or email [email protected].