JLR leads the charge to address youth unemployment in the UK

November 14, 2013: As the latest UK unemployment figures highlight the on-going challenge facing young people in their search for fulfilling employment, Jaguar Land Rover, which was voted the UK’s Responsible Business of the Year, is launching a new youth training programme, ‘Inspiring Tomorrows Workforce’.

The initiative, designed to support young people aged 16-23 who are not in employment, education or training, is based on the traineeship model and will help participants develop the skill necessary to take on an apprenticeship or other sustainable employment within the automotive sector.

‘Inspiring Tomorrows Workforce’, which is being piloted this week at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich manufacturing facility will leverage the company’s award-winning ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers’ programme, utilising its brand new Education Business Partnership Centre at the site.

Commenting on the launch of the new programme, Mike Wright, Executive Director at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Youth unemployment is at a record level yet there is a skills shortage in the UK. It makes sense therefore for a responsible business like Jaguar Land Rover to use its success for good and develop a programme that will engage and inspire those who may feel they have no employment prospects for the future.

“This programme forms part of our Business in the Community ‘Responsible Business of the Year’ legacy and I am confident with the support of our delivery partners we can make a tangible difference to the lives of all participants.”

The first two cohorts of recruits who participate in the 13-week programme, will have the opportunity to gain a manufacturing engineering qualification, be provided with additional maths and English support, undertake work experience placements, complete an outwards bound course and also have the opportunity to take part in a community project. This training programme has been meticulously designed in conjunction with delivery partner, Birmingham Metropolitan College to provide the transferrable skills and work ethic required for a lasting career.

Jake Bickerstaff, aged 17, from Solihull, has four GCSEs and has been looking for work for over a year, he said: “I’ve struggled to find a job because of a lack of experience and qualifications. I started applying for every job I found but was not getting anywhere. I’ve signed up for Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce because I think the experience will make me stand out in the future and will give my CV an edge. It’s a great way to get into engineering and finding out more about Jaguar Land Rover.”

Jaguar Land Rover aims to roll the programme out to all of its manufacturing sites and key supplier partners in 2014 and will engage up to 150 young people over the next nine months.

Photograph: Trainees on the ‘Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce’ programme.