JLR has launched an all-new Schools Partnership Programme to help 40,000 students from diverse backgrounds build electrifying future careers in areas such as electrical and software engineering, digital and data roles and autonomous technologies.
The programme is focused on improving opportunities for groups underrepresented in the industry including young females, pupils from challenging socio-economic backgrounds and those with English as a second language, creating a pipeline of talent to build JLR’s next generation of modern luxury vehicles.
In collaboration with The Careers and Enterprise Company, JLR identified 40 secondary schools that reflected the company’s diversity and inclusion aspirations. The schools are located close to JLR sites in Coventry & Warwickshire, Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and Liverpool as well as local University Technical Colleges.
Three times per academic year, each school will benefit from:
- JLR engineers will meet teachers to help them to build STEM-focused lesson plans in order to apply the curriculum to real-world future careers;
- JLR’s STEM Propulsion Network will offer pupils opportunities to work with JLR Engineers on projects like building mini-electric vehicles;
- JLR will facilitate networking amongst teachers to increase school-to-school support;
- JLR will run careers workshops, supporting pupils from key stage 3 to 5 with decision making and application submissions
The Jaguar TCS Racing Team has committed to supporting the new Programme, aiming to inspire, educate and nurture a next generation of talent that is diverse and inclusive.
The team will form an essential part of the programme with opportunities including:
- Term-time seminars and assemblies delivered by Jaguar TCS Racing technical and commercial team members to educate about the varied opportunities motorsport offers;
- Visits from Jaguar TCS Racing Drivers, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy along with the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 race car;
- Learning activities at the race team’s technical base
Nigel Blenkinsop, JLR’s executive director of enterprise performance & quality, said: “We recognise that young people from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minorities and women are underrepresented in our business, so we are proud to be able to work with these schools to nurture future workplace skills and opportunities for the next generation of talent.
“JLR is committed to fostering a more diverse, inclusive and unified culture to better understand and serve our clients, fuel our innovation and engage and inspire our people.”
Oli De Bolton, chief executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “JLR’s programme is a fantastic example of why employer outreach matters and is fundamental to modern careers education – supporting young people and communities. Employers tell us it is helping increase diversity, connecting companies with future talent and developing the skills of the workforce of tomorrow.”
Jo Kerr, careers lead at Finham Park 2 Secondary School, added: The JLR Schools Partnership Programme provides our students with opportunities and experiences far beyond those which would normally be available in schools careers programmes, and, more widely, the secondary curriculum. We have been able to give our young people a real insight into early careers, apprenticeships, and STEM in a way which would not have been possible without the support of JLR. The resources, sessions and visits are inspirational, and are ensuring that we can help to shape the next generation of engineers ready to work in this exciting and dynamic industry.”
More information about the JLR schools’ partnership programme, as well as the other education & outreach initiatives offered by JLR, can be found here: Supporting Schools – JLR Careers.
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