Candidates are now being assessed for the role of principal of a revolutionary new academy that will specialise in diplomas in engineering, manufacturing and global business studies.

Created to prepare young people for careers in these professions, the JCB Academy is sponsored by the leading manufacturer of construction equipment and is funded largely by the Government. It will open in September 2010 with 120 14-year-old entrants and 50 16-year-olds.

They will be housed in an 18th-century Arkwright mill that is being converted into a light, airy and eco-friendly place of education. The mill in Rocester, Staffordshire, is close to JCB’s headquarters, making it easy for students to experience the working environment, specialist workforce and real engineering challenges.

Sir Anthony Bamford, the owner and chairman of the JCB Group, says: “I am passionate about the importance of manufacturing in Britain and the JCB Academy shows that we are prepared to invest in creating the next generation of young engineers.”

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BACKGROUND

• A vision to inspire

• Crying out for new recruits

• Make science fun to catch them young

• Drive to beat engineering skills shortage

The academy will eventually cater for 540 students, aged 14 to 19 and drawn from Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Paul Pritchard, JCB’s head of the academy project, says: “We have 25 years’ experience of encouraging people into engineering but there has been a drying-up of applicants in recent years.

“We hope the academy will inspire young people back into the industry. Our aim is to develop an enthuasiam and drive for technical and academic excellence in engineering, manufacturing and global business, develop innovative staffing models and sharpen the students’ appetites for assuming responsibility.”

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