Coleg Cambria Llysfasi near Ruthin has formed a new partnership with Kubota (www.kubota.co.uk), the Japanese tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer.

Together, they have launched the Kubota Apprenticeship Scheme, a three-year block release programme that will blend education at the college’s innovative Denbighshire facility with on-the-job experience.

Simon Parker, an agricultural-engineering lecturer at Llysfasi said: “We are very proud to be working with Kubota on this new venture, offering a fantastic training programme for their dealership technicians throughout the whole of the UK and Ireland.

“The three-year block release programme will allow the trainees to enjoy full-time employment with their local Kubota dealership, as well as formal specialist training during their time in college.

“The qualification they will be studying for is the new City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma.”

Established in 1890, Kubota produces high-quality parts for tractors, engines and vending machines, plus valves and pumps for water purification and sewage treatment.

Michael Bywater, group training manager of Kubota (UK) Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi.

“This partnership will enable us to train the next generation of dealership technicians to the highest levels, with a view to providing the highest of standards of service to the end user.”