Jaguar Land Rover Launches Inaugural ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce: Military’ Programme

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK's largest automotive employer, has launched the first cohort of a new and bespoke training course for ex‑military personnel.

10 candidates began the new training course this week at the automotive manufacturer's Solihull plant, designed to give them confidence and employability skills which will help them secure employment. The 10, who are currently unemployed since leaving the services, all hope to secure employment and will be encouraged to apply for the recently‑announced 1,300 job vacancies at the plant once the six week course has been completed.

During the course, participants will spend four weeks in the plant's Education Business Partnership Centre completing relevant qualifications to prepare them for working in the engineering and manufacturing industry, and employability skills. They will then complete a two week work experience placement in the plant's brand new, world‑class manufacturing facilities which will produce the new Jaguar XE to gain an insight into career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

One participating candidate ‑ Michael Connolly, aged 19, from Chelmsley Wood in Birmingham, said: "I spent three years as a Private in the Infantry and left as my contract had finished. All I have known is the Infantry and it's daunting to know how to find another career in the civilian world. I am really excited about what Jaguar Land Rover has to offer and I hope to one day climb the career ladder with them."

Jaguar Land Rover's new, industry first 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce: Military' programme addresses the social and economic issues of high unemployment among former service personnel.

24,000 ex‑military left the forces in 2014 and thousands more are expected to leave this year. Many of these will be Early Service Leavers, who depart before completing four years' service with no or few military qualifications and little civilian work experience, which can make it more difficult for them to find work.

The 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce: Military' programme has been developed by Jaguar Land Rover's education partner Birmingham Metropolitan College to help Early Service Leavers prepare for jobs in the automotive sector. The course builds on the company's 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' traineeship programme which offers dedicated training for unemployed young people, aged 16 to 24, who have struggled to find a job.

Alan Volkaerts, Operations Director at Solihull, commented: "Already at Jaguar Land Rover we have recruited over 100 ex‑military personnel in the last year, the majority here in Solihull. They have valuable skills that can be directly transferred to the automotive industry. Through working with ex‑military staff and helping them strengthen their employability skills and relevant work experience, we can make a positive contribution to society as well as increasing the talent pool for our growing business."

Jaguar Land Rover developed its traineeship and military courses as part of its Business in the Community 'Responsible Business of the Year' legacy programme, which aims to make a significant, long‑term impact on local and global communities. Jaguar Land Rover was the first ever manufacturer to win the UK's top responsible business award in July 2013 for placing sustainability at the heart of its business strategy. 

Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be signed up to the Armed Forces corporate covenant which supports the reintegration of the military forces into successful civilian careers and supports a wide range of events linked to the military.

For more information or to apply for a place on the 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce: Military' course, go to itw@bmetc.ac.uk.

ENDS