In a company employing nearly 12,000 people worldwide, it would be easy to let your workers become just another number on the payroll. At its Omaha operation, CLAAS is ensuring that its employees feel valued and foresee a long-term future with the company.
Gov. Jim Pillen, center, tours the mechatronics apprenticeship lab at CLAAS of America in Omaha. Pictured is trainer Alex Pompa, left, Patrick Burke, Pillen, trainer Kirk Skaggs and Matt Dorner.
Special education equipment purchased specifically for the mechatronics apprenticeship lab reduces the risk of shock or electrical overload. CLAAS invested about $400,000 in furnishing the lab and setting up the program.
Hand filing a metal channel down more than an inch on both sides requires about 14 hours of filing but is part of the precision and repetition required to become an expert mechatronic.
When all the pieces from the exercises are assembled, the apprentices have made a mini LEXION combine.
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The mechatronics apprentices spend nine weeks completing various exercises in metalwork.
Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
