JCB scheme plans unveiled

JCB has revealed detailed plans of its proposed multi-million pound Academy which is being developed to help youngsters across Staffordshire pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing.

The Academy would have a capacity of 540 students and cost around £20 million. JCB plans to locate it in the Grade II-listed Tutbury Mill, Rocester, following its refurbishment.

The Academy will offer diplomas in engineering, manufacturing and international business for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Building work on the Academy is planned to start this winter in readiness for a planned September, 2009, opening.

Paul Pritchard, head of JCB Academy Project, said: "The JCB Academy would develop a passion for technical and academic excellence in engineering, manufacturing and international business.

"For JCB to meet growth plans and continue its future investment in the UK, we need to encourage many more young people of the right calibre and attitude to pursue careers with JCB or other successful manufacturers and businesses."

JCB hope that the development will be one of the country's first fully sustainable school buildings with proposals on the table including plans to revive the mill's water race and install a modern water turbine to create energy.

Developers also want to recycle waste timber packaging from JCB factories, turning it into biomass chips to provide heating and to collect rainwater to flush toilets, using solar panels to heat it.

Councillor Philip Atkins, a Rocester resident who sits on Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and Rocester Parish Council, said: "This would be excellent news for Rocester, young people throughout the area, JCB and the engineering and manufacturing industries as a whole.

"It would be a wonderful opportunity for local people to learn from the experts at a global company that is a true market leader. It would also be a terrific opportunity to regenerate an important Rocester building."

Academies are independent but publicly funded, no-fees, all-ability schools and young people at the JCB Academy would be taught a balanced blend of academic and vocational skills.