Jaguar Land Rover has joined forces with Warwick Manufacturing Group to launch its own academy, the first learning institution of its kind in the UK automotive industry.

The new academy will offer training for employees at varying stages of their working lives with the car-maker, from new recruits to more experienced employees.

Run in partnership with WMG, the academy builds on Jaguar Land Rover’s already strong ties with the University of Warwick.

Its technical and vocational curriculum will be co-ordinated from WMG’s facility at the university and in time it is set to expand its reach to the company’s global workforce of 36,000 people.

Learning opportunities available will range from engineering up-skilling programmes to postgraduate qualifications, including the company’s advanced and degree apprenticeships, as well as its graduate programme.

Within its first year, the curriculum will expand to cover other functional, business and management qualifications delivered by universities, academic institutions and vocational training providers.

Currently 8,800 Jaguar Land Rover workers are undertaking academic and vocational qualifications ranging from NVQ2s to PhDs.

Jaguar Land Rover’s chief executive officer Dr Ralf Speth said: “After months of planning, we are joining forces with WMG, the world-renowned university department founded in 1980 by Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya to help to reinvigorate UK manufacturing.

“The Jaguar Land Rover Academy will set, we believe, new standards for lifelong learning and development – in which we invest £100 million a year.

“We are investing significantly in the future of Jaguar Land Rover by creating very special vehicles for our discerning customers and, just as importantly, by employing and developing the highly skilled people that will help ensure our continued success.

“For me, our workforce is our most crucial asset and I see the Jaguar Land Rover Academy as the lifeblood of our organisation.

“The aim of the academy is to maximise the talents of our workforce and give them new chances to develop their careers to the full.

“Through providing opportunities for continuous learning from recruitment to retirement, the academy will ensure we have the skills needed to compete globally.”

Chairman of WMG Professor Lord Bhattacharyya added: “We have a symbiotic relationship with Jaguar Land Rover and I admire the company’s vision in providing this focus and governance for its learning and development.

“The academy will be the first of its kind in the UK automotive sector and will provide excellent opportunities for the company’s current workforce and future employees.”

Welcoming the new academy, Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Launching the Jaguar Land Rover Academy will ensure the industry has the skills it needs for years to come.

“The academy highlights the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.

“Companies like Jaguar Land Rover are encouraging talented people to build lifelong careers and in turn boost the country’s productivity.”

Pictures: Jaguar XF