Building on its commitment to support the education and professional development of diverse young talent, JLR today announced a £30,000 grant to the Amos Bursary charity. The grant will help to advance the future careers of students from underrepresented groups in areas close to the business’s UK manufacturing sites.
The grant marks JLR’s second consecutive year of support for The Amos Bursary charity which brings the company’s total investment to £60,000.
For over a decade, the Amos Bursary charity has been dedicated to transforming the lives of students from African and Caribbean backgrounds, by helping students develop their careers and overcome challenges that could hinder their potential by providing:
- Comprehensive assistance for high‑performing Year 12 students, selected based on academic achievement and socio‑economic criteria
- A bursary that provides annual financial assistance for educational resources and tuition, as well as emergency support
- Personal and professional development opportunities through mentorships, internships, and other career enhancing tailored programmes
Beyond the financial support given, JLR colleagues have been supporting the charity to deliver mentorship, internships, and workshop training, to prepare students for success in the corporate setting.
In 2023, the Amos Bursary expanded its reach to the Midlands with JLR as its first partner. This partnership marked a significant milestone, with JLR providing substantial funding and four dedicated mentors. These mentors guide students for 18 to 60 months (five years), engaging with them between two to six hours per month to ensure meaningful impact on their academic and professional growth.
To mark the 12‑month success of the partnership, JLR recently welcomed thirty students who have benefited from the grant to its Gaydon facility. The event provided the students with insights into the automotive industry through share fairs and speed mentoring and inspired them about the diverse roles available at JLR, as the business transitions to a sustainable electric future. One of JLR’s Software Degree apprentices, Reuben Cumberbatch joined the Amos Bursary programme after completing his GCSEs.
The workshops and mentorship have been incredibly valuable. They not only helped me build the soft skills needed for the corporate world but also gave me the confidence to navigate professional environments with ease. My advice to upcoming professionals is to take full advantage of these opportunities and always be open to learning and networking. These are instrumental in shaping your career and opening doors to new possibilities.
Reuben Cumberbatch
Transmission and Driveline Software Engineer
Recognising the significant achievement of the current partnership, JLR will renew its collaboration with the Amos Bursary starting this month for another year, and this time, they will dedicate ten additional mentors who will play a key role in helping students build their network and develop skills needed to excel in their academics and professional careers.
With over 850 apprentices and undergraduates joining the business this year in fields such as Engineering, HR, Design, Commercial and Manufacturing, this renewal will strengthen JLR’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and a pipeline of diverse talent. Additionally, the company’s Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) employee‑led network will explore further collaboration with the charity to develop outreach strategies targeting year nine students. This initiative is designed to create a pipeline of support, enabling younger students engaged by REACH to potentially transition to the Amos Bursary programme for continued academic and career development.
As JLR continues to invest in impactful initiatives, the business reaffirms its commitment to fostering education and creating opportunities for the next generation through its Engage for Good programme. This dedication extends to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, as demonstrated by JLR’s status as the first UK car manufacturer to sign the Business in the Community ‚Race at Work Charter‘ and its participation in ‚The Valuable 500‘ for disability inclusion. Through these efforts and employee volunteering, JLR ensures a lasting and positive impact on local communities.
