Digger maker JCB is sponsoring its own skills academy to develop the next generation of engineers.

J. C. Bamford (Excavators) Ltd (JCB), one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, is sponsoring its own skills academy to develop the next generation of engineers.

The JCB Academy is due to open in September 2010, for 540 students aged between 14 and 19 from Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Derbyshire and Derby City in the UK.

Alongside the National Curriculum entitlement, the Academy will specialise in Diplomas in Engineering, Manufacturing and Global Business Studies.

Situated next to the JCB headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, work is under way to create a light, airy and eco-friendly building designed for 21st century education in the sympathetically renovated and extended, Grade II listed Tutbury Mill. Power for the building will be provided by JCB’s own turbine, driven by the original mill race.

JCB Academy Project Head Paul Pritchard said: “The JCB Academy will provide a platform to regenerate engineering and manufacturing in Britain and will become a catalyst for improved provision of education across the entire region in engineering, manufacturing and business, providing young people with enhanced employability prospects. It will be a centre of excellence in its specialisms.”

The JCB Academy local partner schools are: Thomas Alleynes School (13-19 years), Burton College (Further Education College) and Harper Adams University College (Higher Education).

In addition, JCB has close liaison with 40+ schools (Primary, Middle and Secondary levels) from across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Derbyshire. The company already provides a range of cross-curricular activities across all ages and provision for work-related experience weeks for year 10 students.

J. C. Bamford (Excavators) Ltd is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world and employs 8,000 staff around the globe.

For more information, visit: www.jcb.co.uk