Bosch Rexroth keeps its ‘Eye’ on the next generation of engineers

Through its work with the Staffordshire-based JCB Academy, drive and control specialist Bosch Rexroth is inspiring the next generation of engineers by helping students to understand how hydraulic systems work, how they are maintained and the factors that determine maintenance plans.

Since the JCB Academy’s inception in 2010, the tailored course, known as ‘The Bosch Rexroth Challenge’, has provided practical training to more than 350 sixth form students. The course enables pupils to explore aspects of control, hydraulics and sensor technology.

Following lessons in the classroom, students from the JCB Academy are invited to Bosch Rexroth’s headquarters in St Neots to take part in practical training. The group also enjoys an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the London Eye – just one of the iconic landmarks for which Bosch Rexroth has supplied drive systems and expertise.

The Bosch Rexroth Challenge was recognised by HRH the Duke of York as a key contributor to the success of the JCB Academy during a royal visit in 2012.

Jim Wade, principal of the JCB Academy, said: “When we first established The JCB Academy, Bosch Rexroth allocated significant staff resource to work with us to design a major element of the curriculum.

“The work of the Bosch Rexroth team not only provides the skills and knowledge which underpin the learning, but they also deliver this with a passion that enthuses students with the desire to become future engineering leaders.

Jim Malin, training manager at Bosch Rexroth said: “We are proud to have been involved with the JCB Academy since it was first established. It is our belief that industry must work more closely with the education sector to provide our young people with access to real-life applications and hands-on training if we are to address the current skills shortage in the UK.

“We have worked closely with staff at the JCB Academy developing the Bosch Rexroth Challenge over the years, which aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering. This would not be possible without the assistance of the engineers at the London Eye, who give us special access to their most valuable asset and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.”

JCB Academy www.jcbacademy.com

Bosch Rexroth www.boschrexroth.com/en/gb/training/index