#United States #Apprenticeship #Omaha #CLAAS #Skills Initiative

CLAAS Initiates Global Dialogue on National Apprenticeship Day

On April 30, 2025, Omaha, Nebraska, became the focal point for a significant discussion about apprenticeship programs, organized by CLAAS in collaboration with Graepel North America. This event marked the beginning of the Skills Initiative Roadshow 2025, aimed at establishing regional partnerships between German companies and U.S. apprenticeship providers.

During the roundtable discussion, local officials, including Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska State Chamber President Bryan Slone, engaged with representatives from the German American Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and educators from trade schools. The goal was to explore the economic and business advantages of robust apprenticeship systems.

Matthias Ristow, President and Managing Director of Business Administration at CLAAS Omaha Inc., emphasized the necessity of a skilled workforce to handle advanced equipment and technologies. “As innovations continue to unfold in our industry, developing a well-trained workforce to manage these machines becomes vital. We aspire to inspire others to adopt apprenticeship programs similar to ours, where we not only equip participants with job-specific skills but also nurture critical thinking and communication abilities beneficial to both employees and employers,” Ristow stated.

The discussion underlined the win-win nature of apprenticeship programs. Governor Pillen articulated how programs like these are crucial for workforce growth, stating, “These programs are not only essential for supplying businesses with the skilled labor they require but are also crucial for our youth, introducing them to promising career pathways while providing them with invaluable skills and experiences for their future job prospects.”

CLAAS's apprenticeship model closely mirrors the German dual education system, integrating practical on-the-ground training with theoretical instruction from vocational institutions. Starting an apprenticeship requires a formal agreement between the apprentice, the sponsoring employer, and educational institutions, which is subsequently approved by Nebraska’s Office of Apprenticeship. The farming equipment manufacturing field and its associated services also receive approval from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Ristow further emphasized CLAAS's commitment to supporting local communities, stating, “Enhancing apprenticeship programs throughout Nebraska could generate new opportunities and invigorate our rural economies.”

About CLAAS

CLAAS stands as a leader in agricultural machinery manufacturing, producing a range of innovative machinery including tractors, combines, forage harvesters, balers, and various hay tools. The company is committed to delivering exceptional performance in agricultural fields through advanced technology and a dedicated engineering team located at multiple global facilities. For further information about CLAAS's offerings, please visit www.claas.com.

For media inquiries, contact:
John Schofield
North American Marketing Coordinator
CLAAS of America Inc.
8401 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68138
Phone: 402-861-1027
Email: [email protected]