Success Stories

Celebrating Impactful Partnerships That Shape Futures

At The JCB Academy, we are proud to collaborate with a distinguished network of employers who share our commitment to excellence in technical education. These partnerships play a vital role in delivering meaningful opportunities for our learners—empowering them to explore, develop, and thrive in real-world environments.

Together, we’re not only transforming learner outcomes but also delivering tangible benefits to our partner organisations—from fresh talent pipelines to enhanced community engagement.

Explore Some Of Our Partnerships

Click on a logo below to discover how each organisation works with us, the projects they’ve supported, and the impact they’ve made.

Employer Partners Success Stories 

Celebrating Learner Success Through Industry Collaboration 

Since opening in 2010, The JCB Academy has proudly supported over 600 learners into careers in engineering and business—through apprenticeships and employment with local, regional, and national organisations. These success stories reflect the strength of our employer partnerships and the transformative impact of real-world learning. 

Accolades from Former Learners 

No. 1 in the UK – National Apprenticeship Awards 2017

Holly Broadhurst – Higher Apprentice at JCB 
Crowned the National Apprentice of the Year, Holly was recognised as the top apprentice in the UK. 

“The key difference for me was that the learning was not based in a textbook; it meant that you gained real-life experience within global companies, making you ready to be integrated into them in the future. In addition, the A-levels were based around engineering issues, which naturally made them more interesting and easier to understand.” 

No. 1 in the Midlands – EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2017

Ashley Hopwell – Higher Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover 
Named Midlands Apprentice of the Year, Ashley was honoured for his outstanding contribution to manufacturing. 

“Choosing to attend The JCB Academy Sixth Form is a decision I will never regret. The opportunities unlocked as a result of studying there have been endless. Attending a sixth form with a name such as The JCB Academy shows future employers that I was passionate about forming my career in engineering from a young age.” 

No. 1 in Staffordshire – Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 

Louise Meredith – Higher Apprentice at JCB 
Awarded Staffordshire Apprentice of the Year, Louise was celebrated for her achievements in business and engineering. 

“The JCB Academy gave me the foundations that prepared me for my apprenticeship at JCB. The exposure to real-life projects with industry partners gave me an insight into engineering, and working alongside staff with engineering backgrounds made all the difference.” 

North West Apprentice Champion & Bentley Apprentice of the Year (2018) 

Phoebe Jay – Manufacturing Strategy Engineer at Bentley Motors 
Phoebe was named North West Apprentice Champion of the Year and also won Bentley Apprentice of the Year for her exceptional performance and advocacy for apprenticeships. 

“I recognise how much an apprenticeship was absolutely the right choice for me. I loved it so much, I’m currently undertaking another one for my degree! I strongly advocate this route to learners and school leavers, and I’m incredibly thankful for the recognition.” 

Bentley Apprentice of the Year (2019) 

Lewis Clarke – Body and Trim Engineer at Bentley Motors 
Selected from 72 apprentices across 8 pathways, Lewis was awarded Bentley Apprentice of the Year for going above and beyond in his role. 

“It’s great to receive this award and be recognised for going above and beyond throughout my apprenticeship. The skills I’ve learned and the opportunities I’ve been given have helped me develop and are directly applicable to my current role.”