HUNDREDS of Staffordshire graduates will have more opportunities to kick-start their careers in the county following Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to locate its new engine plant here.
The new engine plant at i54 South Staffordshire, will create 750 jobs, many of which will be skilled engineering jobs. Business and engineering graduates from Staffordshire and Keele universities will be among those looking to apply their skills at the site and help boost the county’s economic profile.
The county council will be working with both universities to help them realise graduate career opportunities within Staffordshire. All three organisations have representatives on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership which is striving to stimulate investment, start-up businesses and job creation.
Paul Richards, deputy Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University said: “JLR’s plans are a great boost for our region. We work hard to ensure that our graduates leave us with the skills, talents and creative energy that industry needs. “We look forward to working with the county council and all our partners to secure as many opportunities for our graduates to stay in this area and contribute to the economy and the community here.
“We will also be doing all we can to demonstrate the range of expertise which the University can make available to successful businesses. We believe that the University is a key resource in an area which is highly attractive to industry.” Councillor Ben Adams, cabinet member for economic growth and enterprise, said: “Graduates will play a vital part in developing Staffordshire’s economic growth by supplying our manufacturing and engineering companies with the skilled workforce they need.
“One of the key components of our offer as a destination for Jaguar Land Rover was the graduate workforce from our universities in Staffordshire and the wider region.
“We’re fortunate to have such successful places of learning in the county, enabling people living here to develop their skills and career opportunities. “The county council will continue to forge links with potential investors and attract global names like Jaguar Land Rover to Staffordshire. This means people can continue their careers in the county and play their part in our increased prosperity and international reputation as a place to do business.”
