National Apprenticeship Week: JCB apprentice urges others to follow in her footsteps

 Lexi Anderson, of Stafford, who this week graduates from the prestigious JCB Apprenticeship Scheme, is encouraging local school-leavers to explore careers with JCB by visiting its Apprenticeships Open Day on Saturday, February 15.

 The digger giant is opening its Global Learning Centre doors at Rocester, near Uttoxeter, to launch this year’s recruitment process and hopes to showcase the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities to hundreds of students, parents and teachers.

JCB has more than 370 apprentices on its books and is opening its Global Learning Centre doors to launch this year’s recruitment process, showcasing apprenticeship opportunities to hundreds of students, parents and teachers.

 The company is recruiting apprentices for its September 2025  intake - ranging from Level 2 welding and assembly opportunities for age 16+ to Level 3 Manufacturing, Engineering and Technician posts as well as business-wide degree apprenticeships.

 Former Weston Road Academy student, Lexi, 21,  graduates as a Purchasing Apprentice after training in the Cab Systems, Power Systems, Backhoe Loader and Hydraulics divisions.

 She said: “JCB is both a local company and a major global brand, which attracted me to apply. My apprenticeship has been challenging but incredibly rewarding; I've learned a lot and developed many skills in such a short time.

 “Having completed my apprenticeship, I am eager to continue growing in my current role within the Hydraulics purchasing team with the goal of eventually progressing to a senior buyer position.

 “For anyone considering an apprenticeship as a path into work, I would definitely encourage them to go for it. The opportunities are vast, so try everything you can, experience different placements, and learn about various roles across the business. Being an apprentice at JCB has allowed me to gain invaluable experiences working for and alongside experienced professionals,” she added.

 The JCB Apprenticeships Open Day will feature two sessions – 10am and 1pm – with insight talks on the journey through a JCB apprenticeship, how to apply, opportunities for women in engineering and the exciting projects which apprentices take part in.

 JCB Early Careers Talent Manager Neil Fowkes said: “JCB is one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. Through our apprenticeship schemes we are proud to train and develop the next generation of engineers, assemblers and business administrators who will keep us at the forefront of innovation and always pushing those boundaries.

 “More than 1,800 people have joined the company through our Early Careers programmes. Whether it is working on our ground-breaking Hydrogen engines or welding our world-leading Backhoe Loaders, our apprenticeship schemes are integral to our vision of the future.

 “We hope young people and those considering a career change will take this opportunity to visit us and hear for themselves about the varied and exciting opportunities at JCB. The open day could be their first step on an incredibly exciting pathway into work.”

 To find out more about apprenticeships and careers at JCB visit https://earlycareers.jcb.com/.

 Anyone interested in attending the Global Learning Centre Open Day can register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/ and search JCB Apprenticeship and Graduate Open Day.