What is The JCB Challenge?
The JCB Challenge is an exciting and immersive engineering competition designed to inspire learners at The JCB Academy. Delivered in partnership with JCB graduate engineers, this hands-on challenge allows learners to apply real-world engineering principles, develop critical thinking skills, and collaborate as a team to design, build, and compete in a thrilling final event.
The challenge is embedded within the ‘Engineering Maintenance’ module of the learners’ curriculum, providing them with an authentic experience of the engineering industry while developing key problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
How Does The Challenge Work?
Each week, learners take part in a series of engineering tasks designed to test their creativity, planning, and practical skills. The challenge is broken down into the following stages:
1. Design and Build Phase
- Learners buy and sell components to construct their JCB Loadall telescopic handler cab and attachments—with sustainability and environmental impact influencing the value of their materials.
- Using cardboard, plastic straws, and glue guns, teams design and build a cab, which is then load-tested for strength and durability.
- Learners construct a functional attachment designed to move materials as efficiently as possible within a timed challenge.
2. The House Competition
- Learners compete within their academy house teams, showcasing their engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
- The winning teams from each house secure a place in the grand finale at JCB World Headquarters.
3. The JCB Headquarters Finale
- The top six teams (each consisting of six learners) are invited to JCB’s world-class headquarters to take part in the final showdown.
- Learners present their designs, participate in rigorous tests, and compete head-to-head in races to determine the overall winners.
Beyond the Competition
The JCB Challenge is more than just an engineering competition—it’s a unique learning experience that introduces learners to real-world engineering careers. As part of the finale at JCB’s headquarters, learners benefit from:
- Career talks by JCB graduate engineers, offering insights into careers in engineering.
- A tour of ‘The Story of JCB’ museum, exploring the company’s rich history and innovations.
- A live demonstration of a JCB Loadall, showcasing cutting-edge engineering in action.
- A two-course meal courtesy of JCB, celebrating the hard work and achievements of the learners.
Celebrating Success
At the conclusion of the challenge, outstanding individuals and teams are recognised in a prestigious awards ceremony, attended by JCB executives, apprentices, and industry professionals. Previous winners have been presented with awards for innovation, teamwork, urgency, and product excellence.
Inspiring the Engineers of Tomorrow
The JCB Challenge is an unparalleled opportunity for young engineers to apply their skills in a real-world context, learn from industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience in problem-solving and teamwork. Whether constructing Loadalls, presenting innovative designs, or learning about career opportunities in engineering, learners leave the challenge with valuable skills and unforgettable experiences that shape their future careers.
