Almost 10 years ago, JCB CEO Anthony Bamford had a vision about educating the next generation of engineers; this led to the creation of the JCB Academy (www.jcb.com) in 2010.

Recognised as the first of a brand-new kind of school in the UK, it has a focus on delivering high-quality engineering and business education, and to ensure that it is vocationally suitable for future generations of engineers, it is supported by metrology experts Mitutoyo.

Sponsored by JCB, the Academy has core challenge partners that include Bentley Motors, Network Rail and Rolls-Royce. Each of these companies contributes to developing the unique curriculum and learning techniques.

To deliver the curriculum, the academy has employed academic specialists with an established industrial background. Pivotal to the installation of Mitutoyo metrology and inspection equipment was Graham Rowley (pictured), the team leader for technical delivery.

With over 24 years of industrial experience before working in academia, Mr Rowley says: “JCB realised that it needed a ‘state of the art’ training facility with experienced staff and cutting-edge technology to develop the engineers
of tomorrow, and I was tasked with identifying the inspection equipment that would best serve our learners and prepare them for a future in engineering.

“It was recognised that inspection and metrology are core subjects for all engineering disciplines, so we set about configuring a metrology department that would be both suitable for our learners and relevant for industry.

“We went to a number of suppliers for quotes, and Mitutoyo stood out for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, they were more engaged with our needs and said that we could deliver this new stand-alone metrology department if we bought a slightly different area of kit. We altered our order accordingly and went with their suggestions.”

Another reason for choosing Mitutoyo was their willingness to work with the education sector. “Mitutoyo gave us a really good discount on the package; this wasn’t to win our business, but more to build its already well established support of the education sector and the training of apprentices.

“Additionally, by following the recommendations from Mitutoyo we can do everything necessary with our students. We can provide and develop block training such as short or long course modules that are suitable for the training needs of our partner companies and core challenge partners.”