Apprentices Integral To Workforce At Globally Iconic Family Firm

The story of JCB is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. From small beginnings building agricultural tipping trailers in 1945, to the global force in manufacturing the company has become today, JCB has constantly pushed the boundaries in their desire to be the best. Today, JCB has 22 plants on four continents and more than 750 dealers around the world.

As Lord Bamford explains, “These are exciting times. In just 75 years we have gone from one man in a garage in Uttoxeter to major global brand renowned for its pioneering spirit. All of this is down to our people – a 11,000-strong worldwide force that makes up the JCB family we are so proud of.”

Apprenticeships are an integral part of the workforce with 250 currently employed by JCB and ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 we spoke to Neil Fowkes, JCB Early Career Talent Manager to find out more.

As Neil explains, there are plenty of benefits associated with employing apprentices.

“They are a real asset to the business as they help build the workforce for the future by nurturing and developing early career talent to successfully support JCB’s future growth plans.”

Integrating and onboarding apprentices is also important to the success of the apprenticeship programme at JCB. “We run a programme that includes a detailed onboarding process and familiarisation days with a week long formal induction that includes JCB factory tours and visits to the ‘Story of JCB’ exhibition,” continues Neil. “This is combined with an outdoor personal development programme that focuses on JCB values and behaviours.”

Apprentices are a key part of the workforce and with 250 in the business today a significant investment too but it helps drive the innovation with the organisation and as Neil confirms, “apprentices are an integral part of JCB’s success.”

With such a talent pool and desire to incorporate apprentices into the HR strategy of the business, JCB has appointed a National Apprenticeship Week Ambassador to encourage young people to consider a career with the world leading construction equipment manufacturer. Business Administration apprentice Samantha Williams studied BTEC Sport and Exercise Science before joining JCB in September 2021 and has been appointed to the role.

As Samantha explains, “I chose the business administration apprenticeship because it fitted my skills the best and I knew that the JCB apprenticeship would develop my skills and me as a person. What’s great is that you get an insight into many different areas of the business. I am currently working alongside the Early Careers team in the recruitment process for new apprentices and graduates starting with us in 2023 and because I have been in their shoes I have a real understanding of what it’s like for them.”

Clearly, apprentices are at the heart of JCB, the globally iconic family business brand and it is great to see them central to the continued evolution of a business that has come a long way since it started with one man in a garage to the business that it is today.