Sascha Alexander Kuhn
Deputy Director, Apprenticeship Networks
+1 (312) 494-2167 kuhn@gaccmidwest.org
2025 National Apprenticeship Award Recognizes CLAAS
Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC – November 3, 2025
The 2025 GACC Apprenticeship Award honors CLAAS for its dedication to ensuring apprentices have the support they need to thrive, along with its commitment to fostering long-term organizational growth and building community. CLAAS joined the ICATT® Apprenticeship Program in 2019 with its first cohort of 2 apprentices and currently has 4 apprentices across its U.S. operations.
Jurors commended CLAAS for its thoughtful and globally connected apprenticeship model, emphasizing quality over quantity. They highlighted the company’s strong mentorship culture with weekly progress meetings, behavioral coaching, and deep personal guidance. Apprentices benefit from hands-on training, international exchanges with Germany, and early engagement with local schools and STEM programs to inspire future talent. The program’s focus on attitude, soft skills, and personal growth, supported by dedicated resources and leadership commitment—demonstrates a genuine investment in developing well-rounded, future-ready professionals.
Matthew Dorner, Mechatronics Apprentice of the 2023 Cohort, embodies how apprenticeships can transform careers and mindsets. After returning to CLAAS, Matt made the bold choice to rejoin the company as an apprentice, trading his previous position for a chance to build a lasting future. Once intimidated by automation, he turned that challenge into his greatest strength through perseverance and determination. His journey reflects not only technical growth but also personal transformation—learning to see complexity as connection and failure as education.
Now in his third year, Matt stands out as a mentor who leads with humility, guiding others through empathy and shared experience. His curiosity, resilience, and commitment have made him a role model among peers. Upon graduation, Matt continues his career at CLAAS, representing the power of investing in people who choose growth over comfort. When asked about the reasoning for joining the apprentice program, Matt replied “My decision to join an ICATT apprenticeship with CLAAS was a simple one. They were willing to invest in me and my future. My apprenticeship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
“We are proud to have CLAAS as an ICATT Network Company. Their strong commitment to developing skilled talent and advancing modern apprenticeship models represents exactly what the ICATT Apprenticeship Program strives to achieve. The success of their apprentices and the enthusiasm of their mentors are testaments to the quality of their program,” said Sascha Alexander Kuhn, Deputy Director, Apprenticeship Networks at the German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest, which developed and runs the ICATT Apprenticeship Program.
CLAAS is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery, including combine harvesters, tractors, balers, and forage harvesters. The company is known for its engineering excellence and innovation, driving efficiency and sustainability in farming worldwide. With over 12,000 employees across 21 countries, CLAAS continues to invest in workforce development to strengthen its operations and support local communities.
“At CLAAS, we view apprenticeships as essential to our long-term success, ” said Matthias Ristow, President of CLAAS Omaha Inc. “We started the apprentice program in Germany soon after the foundation of CLAAS in 1913 and over the years it became an essential part of our success – the continuous supply of well-trained employees. Being a pioneer in offering the ICATT apprenticeship program in Nebraska brought numerous benefits to CLAAS and to Omaha. Our partnership with the ICATT Apprenticeship Program helps us attract, train, and retain motivated individuals who share our passion for technology and innovation. We are proud to help shape the future of manufacturing in Nebraska by giving young professionals the tools and experiences they need to succeed.”
CLAAS was recognized at the GACC Apprenticeship Conference on November 3, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Representatives from CLAAS accept the 2025 German American Apprenticeship Award during a ceremony recognizing excellence in transatlantic workforce development. The award honors CLAAS for its outstanding commitment to vocational training and collaboration between the U.S. and Germany.
CLAAS
Founded in 1913, the family-owned company CLAAS (www.claas-gruppe.com) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery. The company, headquartered in Harsewinkel in Westphalia, is the world market leader in forage harvesters. CLAAS also has European market leadership in another core segment, combine harvesters. CLAAS is successfully represented worldwide with tractors as well as agricultural balers and grassland harvesters. The product range also includes state-of-the-art agricultural information technology. CLAAS employs over 12,000 people worldwide and generated sales of 5.1 billion euros in the 2024 financial year.
German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs)
The main offices of the German American Chambers of Commerce are in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, alongside their branches in Detroit and Houston. The GACCs cater to a vast network of members and National Partners with a wide variety of services for US market entry, apprenticeships in the US, and industry events for their German American business network. Learn more at https://ahk-usa.net/.
ICATT Apprenticeship Program
The Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) is the leading apprenticeship program for manufacturers and companies with complex administration processes. It is the largest program in the U.S. fully benchmarked on the German Dual Education System – an approach recognized globally for its combination of company-specific knowledge, theory, and hands-on learning – resulting in highly trained and flexible employees. Learn more at www.icattapprenticeships.com.
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