JCB creates new jobs with apprentice and graduate investment

The new recruits started their jobs this week, as JCB focuses on training the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, and business specialists. Four of the apprentices will be working at JCB Transmission in Wrexham.

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: "JCB's future growth and success depends on recruiting and training new talent. JCB always plans for the long term and that is more important than ever as the business goes through a period of rapid growth.

"We are delighted to welcome our new apprentices and graduates as they embark on challenging and rewarding careers."

New JCB apprentices, from left, Libby Hodge, Lexi Anderson and Freya Barkas.

Among the apprentices joining JCB this week are Fynn Churton, 18, of Upper Tean, near Cheadle, Staffs, and Freya Barkas, 21, of Uttoxeter.

Fynn, who is starting a four-year Finance Apprenticeship at JCB's World HQ in Rocester, said: "I wanted to do an apprenticeship simply because of the scale of JCB; it is a global business and there are so many opportunities available.

Read more: Firm's latest Wrexham facility creates new jobs

"I am quite an ambitious person, and it appears to me that if you put the work in, you can move higher and higher in your career."

Freya is starting a Customer Service Apprenticeship after giving up a full-time job to take up her new role at JCB's World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter.

New JCB apprentices Fynn Churton (left) and Brodi Wright.

She said: "It was hard giving up a job, but I have always wanted to work at JCB because of the scale of the company.

"I wanted to wait for the right opportunity though, and that is just what has come along now with my apprenticeship because customer service is something I'm passionate about."

JCB Group HR director Max Jeffery said: "Competition for places on the JCB apprenticeship and graduate schemes is always fierce and this year we had more 2,000 applications.

"We set the bar very high when we recruit people and many JCB apprentices in recent years have gone on to win national awards, which is testament to the quality of the schemes we run.

"Our new intake of apprentices and graduates will play a fundamental role in shaping this business in the future."