Up to 600 Jaguar Land Rover workers are set to be enrolled on engineering degree courses as part of a pioneering partnership with Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick.
The WMG tie-up will see the Midland car maker’s employees taught to degree level in product development engineering and manufacturing engineering.
Up to 100 Jaguar Land Rover staff will take up their places as sponsored degree students from October this year.
From 2014, WMG will also support the degree provision for the higher apprenticeship programme, meaning there will be up to 600 students studying at various stages over the next three to four years.
For the higher apprenticeship programme modules related to finance, supplier management and other commercially related topics will also be included.
Students will have access to an internet based bespoke “Managed Learning Environment” in addition to “activity based learning”.
WMG and Jaguar Land Rover are working together on curriculum development.
WMG chairman Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said: “WMG researchers have worked closely for many years transferring the latest technology into the creation of their world-beating premium vehicles.
“We also have long experience in delivering engineering teaching, at a range of levels, to major manufacturers and engineering companies.
“This new, highly innovative programme will use of WMG’s teaching experience to empower a wide range of Jaguar Land Rover staff with the skills to make best use of their company’s advantage building technology.
“The programme will be the first of its kind in the UK and will move the goalposts.”
Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover said: “Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious growth plans which can only be supported by innovation in new products, engines and environmental technologies.
“We are investing in developing the skills of our engineering teams to ensure they have the knowledge and insight to help drive the business forward.
“WMG is the perfect partner to help develop our engineering community and I am delighted that so many of our employees will be able to study for a manufacturing or engineering degree at one of the UK’s leading academic institutions.”
