Jaguar Land Rover to recruit record number of apprentices
JAGUAR Land Rover has announced it is to recruit its largest ever intake of apprentices.
The automotive firm is set to take on a record 133 apprentices for its 2012 training programme, beating last year’s figure of 114.
The announcement, which coincides with the launch of National Apprentice Week, is part of the manufacturer’s ongoing strategy to support growth.
The new talent is needed in order to sustain the company as it pushes ahead in its global expansion.
The intake will consist of 109 Advanced Apprenticeships and, for the first time, 24 Higher Apprentices who will work towards a series of NVQs and a degree in a comprehensive training programme open to A-level qualified candidates.
The Advanced Apprenticeships scheme is open to GCSE qualified candidates and starts with a year in college studying for an NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NVQ3 in a chosen trade pathway, a Technical Certificate, as well as training in key skills such as Communication, IT & Numeracy. Apprentices will then go on to fulfil roles in a variety of manufacturing and product development functions.
Des Thurlby, Human Resources Director, JLR, said: “Our Apprentice intake has more than doubled in the last four years and I am delighted that this year we are committing to take on a record number of apprentices.
“Apprenticeships provide a valuable and credible career path for the brightest and best and JLR is committed to providing the highest quality practical and academic training to develop the future generation of engineering talent needed to drive our business forward, indeed many of our senior leaders began their careers as apprentices.”
Advanced and Higher Apprentices will be recruited at all of JLR’s Midlands and Merseyside based engineering and manufacturing sites including the new Advanced Engine facility where Advanced Apprentices will be supporting the development of a new generation of low-emission engines. These are the first positions to be advertised in support of JLR’s activity at the i54-based plant and further recruitment opportunities are set to be announced in due course.
In support of National Apprenticeship week, JLR will be attending several events to promote its programmes including The Real Apprentice showcases in Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.
The move has been applauded by Staffordshire County Council, whose economic development leader, Cllr Ben Adams, said: “This is yet another fantastic announcement that will have a really positive impact on the region’s economic growth.
“In Staffordshire we have been very proactive in supporting young people and helping them to get on the career ladder by running our own apprenticeship scheme. Around 280 young people have benefited from the programme since 2009.”
