A Loadall Agri Pro telescopic handler built by JCB’s (
www.jcb.com) 68 apprentices recently went on show to celebrate national training opportunities for young people; it will eventually be auctioned off for charity.
The machine was unveiled in the visitor centre at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester (Staffordshire) during National Apprenticeship Week. The Loadall range celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and JCB says it “revolutionised the lifting and placing of loads on farms and construction sites when it was introduced”.
Over 200,000 Loadalls have been sold since its launch in 1977.
JCB Transmissions manufactured the axles and gearbox of the Agri Pro; JCB Power Systems built the engine; the Hydraulics Business Unit (HBU) built the lift, extension, tilt and displacement rams; JCB Cab Systems supplied the cab; and JCB Marketing came up with the colour scheme and promoted the initiative at various events. The vehicle was assembled at the World HQ.
JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who completed an engineering apprenticeship before joining the company in 1964, said: “As an engineer and former apprentice with manufacturing running through my blood, I’m very proud of what JCBs apprentices have achieved with this project.
“They have shown vividly that team work delivers wonderful results and — most of all — highlighted what empowering young people on apprenticeships can deliver.”
Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “A remarkable amount of skill and dedication has gone into this project over the past six months, and all the apprentices involved should feel immensely proud.
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in the economy, and JCB is demonstrating its commitment by putting its apprentices in the spotlight.”