Jaguar Land Rover pledges support for new WMG Academy in bid to close skills gap
VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has thrown its weight behind a new initiative intended to close the skills gap threatening to derail the UK’s long-term economic recovery.
The company has come out in support of the new WMG Academy for Young Engineers, one of seven new University Technical Colleges (UTC) and four new studio schools announced by Chancellor George Osborne.
The WMG Academy for Young Engineers, which is situated in Solihull, will cater for 640 students and specialise in engineering and science when it opens next month.
Led by WMG (formerly known as the Warwick Manufacturing Group) at the University of Warwick in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, EEF (the Engineering Employers’ Federation), West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and with support from other employers including Aero-Engine Controls (part of the Rolls Royce group), it will utilise the employers’ expertise in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries to help prepare students for careers in local high growth sectors.
Dr Ralf Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be at the forefront of industry engagement with the WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull).
“The company will support the UTC in a range of ways, from assistance with the curriculum to board membership, provision of equipment, support for visits and provision of technical specialists who will contribute to teaching.
“The UTC will help to address very important issues at the beginning of the educational cycle, namely exciting young people about engineering careers and developing a pool of talent which the industry can rely upon for future generations. It will also be an important signal and flagship for investors in the local area whether they are suppliers to us or other high value manufacturing and engineering companies and sectors. We look forward to our continued association with WMG Academy for Young Engineers.”
Announcing the new schools and UTCs, George Osborne said: “University Technical Colleges are a key part of the Government’s long term economic plan because they help ensure young people have the right skills so they can maximise their potential.
“The new colleges will provide the next generation of British workers with the skills they need to secure the high tech jobs of the future.
“This is an excellent example of how we are delivering a sustainable and resilient recovery by laying the foundations for a brighter economic future for the UK.”
