• Jaguar Land Rover launches 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' Programme.
• New programme aims to target the issue of youth unemployment amongst 16‑23 year olds.
• Comprehensive initiative will provide those not in employment, education or training with the experience and skills to find sustainable employment.
• Pilot commences this week at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant and will see 150 young people undertake the programme over the next nine months.

As the latest UK unemployment figures highlight the on‑going challenge facing young people in their search for fulfilling employment, Jaguar Land Rover, the country'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 thirteen 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, BirminghamMetropolitanCollege to provide the transferable skills and work ethic required for a lasting career.

Jake Bickerstaff, aged 17, from Solihull, has four GCSE's 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.

For details of how to take part in 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' go to www.bmetc.ac.uk/itw

* The Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce Initiative will last for a duration of up to 13 weeks (16‑18), 8 weeks (19‑23) or 13 weeks (16‑18) unless participants secure employment during the programme window.

About Jaguar Land Rover:

• Jaguar Land Rover has been named Responsible Business of the Year by Business in the Community (BITC).
• Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for sustainable growth and profitability.
• In 2012, Jaguar Land Rover sold 357,773 vehicles, up 30%
• Jaguar Land Rover will invest circa £2.75bn in its products and facilities in the financial year to March 2014.
• Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK's largest exporters by value and generates in the region of 85% of its revenue from exports.

• In the 12 months to 31 March 2013, Jaguar Land Rover generated profit before tax of £1.675bn with revenues of £15.8bn. 

About Birmingham Metropolitan College

• Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET)is one of the largest further education colleges in the UK providing a wide range of education and training programmes across the West Midlands. 
• It has a turnover of nearly £100 million and works with organisations such as BMW, BritVic, Caterpillar, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover and Network Rail to deliver training, apprenticeships and wider education services.
• Dame Christine Braddock, BMET's Principal and Chief Executive, is the High Sheriff for the West Midlands in 2013/14 and was awarded a Damehood in the 2013 New Year's Honours.
• The college's mission is 'to provide high quality education and training that is inclusive, and which matches and supports the needs of our diverse learners and the local and regional economy'. 

For more information, please visit  www.newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com  or contact:

Nicola Rzeznik, Senior Communications Officer
M: + 44 (0) 7736 912 266 E:   nrzeznik@jaguarlandrover.com  

Kate Birkenhead, JLR CSR Communications Officer
M: + 44 (0) 7780 494 352 E: kbirkenh@jaguarlandrover.com