Automaker Commits to Career Development for African and Caribbean Students in the UK
In a bold move to enhance the career prospects of young people from underrepresented backgrounds, JLR has pledged £30,000 (INR 33.26 lakh) to support the Amos Bursary, a charity that empowers students from African and Caribbean backgrounds to achieve their academic and career ambitions. This funding is part of JLR’s ongoing mission to create a more diverse and inclusive talent pool, with the company’s total contribution now reaching £60,000 over two years.
JLR’s support focuses on 70 students from the West Midlands, providing them with financial resources, career coaching, and mentorship. As part of the automaker’s partnership with the Amos Bursary, JLR employees have also dedicated over 390 voluntary hours to guiding students in fields such as engineering, digital technologies, and software development—key sectors in JLR’s push toward a carbon-neutral future by 2039.
The Amos Bursary, known for transforming the educational and career trajectories of African and Caribbean students, offers not just financial support but also mentorship and internships designed to prepare young talent for success. Students in the bursary program benefit from comprehensive career development opportunities, which include professional workshops, tailored training, and emergency financial aid.
One beneficiary of the program, Reuben Cumberbatch, a JLR apprentice and Amos Bursary alumnus, praised the initiative, stating, “The mentorship and skills-building workshops have been invaluable. They’ve given me the confidence and tools to succeed in the corporate world.” Reuben’s journey exemplifies the potential for students in the program to bridge the gap between education and meaningful careers in industries like automotive technology.
This latest £30,000 grant is a part of JLR’s broader School Partnership Programme, which has already supported 40,000 students across the UK. The automaker is also renewing its commitment to the Amos Bursary for another year, adding ten more dedicated mentors to the initiative. These mentors will help students not only develop essential career skills but also expand their professional networks, creating new avenues for success.
As part of its broader diversity and inclusion efforts, JLR continues to work on initiatives through its Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) employee-led network. The company also plays a leading role in the Business in the Community ‘Race at Work Charter’ and ‘The Valuable 500’ initiative for disability inclusion, further demonstrating its dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace.
With over 850 new apprentices and undergraduates joining JLR in 2024 alone, the company’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent shows no signs of slowing. Through its sustained investment in the Amos Bursary and similar programs, JLR is ensuring that the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders has the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
