JCB opens up 150 apprenticeship places

Construction equipment manufacturer JCB in the United Kingdom has announced that it is now accepting applications for its 2023 Early Careers Programme.

Hannah Hurdley now works for JCB as a Government and Defence Contracts Manager, having completed her degree through the manufacturer’s Early Careers Programme. (Photo: JCB)

A total of 150 opportunities are being offered by the company, with degree apprenticeships on offer in the areas of Business and Engineering and Level 3 apprenticeships available in Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Mechatronics and technical roles. 

A number of Level 2 assembly and welding placements are also available for those recruits aged 16 years old and over, as well several graduate career programmes in the disciplines of Design and Development, Future Technologies, Electrical and Controls, Software Development and Sales and Marketing.

This year will also see the manufacturer partner with the JCB Academy to offer new T-Level qualifications.

Max Jeffery, JCB’s Group Human Resources Director, said, “JCB is one of the world’s largest construction and agricultural machinery manufacturers and we offer huge scope to develop very rewarding careers.

“JCB has ambitious growth plans over the next five years and nurturing new talent will be a key to success.”

JCB, which launched its Early Careers Programme in 2008 and has since trained over 1,300 recruits, said it is expecting competition for its 2023 programme to be particularly fierce. 

Last year over 2,000 applicants applied for a place on the programme, in which the company has invested over £8 million (€ million) since it began.

Hannah Hurdley, who joined the Early Careers Programme as a Business Degree Apprentice four years ago, said, “I am still only 22 and I have a very interesting and responsible job with great career prospects.

Hurdley, who now holds a degree in Professional Practice in Management and now works for JCB as a Government and Defence Contracts Manager, added, “What is amazing is that I continue to be supported by some of the most experienced senior people at JCB as my career develops.

“To anyone thinking of applying for the 2023 apprentice and graduate intake I would say one thing: go for it. It is a decision I have never regretted.”