Jaguar Land Rover Launches Largest Ever Apprentice Recruitment Campaign

LONDON – Feb 2, 2012: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK's leading automotive employer, is set to launch its search for the largest ever intake of Apprentices to join its 2012 training programme. The Apprentice programme, which this year is searching for both Advanced and Higher Apprentices, will launch on Monday February 6th – coincident with National Apprenticeship week.

Following the appointment of 114 Advanced Apprentices in 2011, JLR is this year looking for a record 133 Apprentices to join its growing business. This will consist of 109 Advanced Apprenticeships and, for the first time, 24 Higher Apprentices who will work towards the acquisition of a series of NVQs and a degree in a comprehensive training programme open to A-level qualified candidates.

The Advanced Apprenticeships scheme is open to GCSE qualified candidates and starts with a year in college studying for an NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NVQ3 in a chosen trade pathway, a Technical Certificate, as well as training in key skills such as Communication, IT & Numeracy. Apprentices will then go on to fulfil roles in a variety of manufacturing and product development functions.

Commenting on the 2012 Apprentice programme, Des Thurlby, Human Resources Director, JLR, said: "Our Apprentice intake has more than doubled in the last 4 years and I am delighted that this year we are committing to take on a record number of apprentices. Apprenticeships provide a valuable and credible career path for the brightest and best and JLR is committed to providing the highest quality practical and academic training to develop the future generation of engineering talent needed to drive our business forward, indeed many of our senior leaders began their careers as apprentices."

Advanced and Higher Apprentices will be recruited at all of JLR's Midlands and Merseyside based engineering and manufacturing sites including the new Advanced Engine facility where Advanced Apprentices will be supporting the development of a new generation of low-emission engines. These are the first positions to be advertised in support of JLR's activity at the i54 based plant - further recruitment opportunities will be announced in due course.

In support of National Apprenticeship week, JLR will be attending several events to promote its programmes including The Real Apprentice showcases in Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.