*Image courtesy of The Spectator*

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting JCB Academy, a public school in Rocester, England, created as part of the vision of a private employer who has recently announced it will open a large manufacturing plant on San Antonio’s Southside.

JCB, the world’s largest privately owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery, will build its second US plant near the Toyota plant in San Antonio, where it will make its top selling machine in the US market, the multipurpose Loadall, as well as its component parts. JCB has already broken ground on the $500 million facility, which is expected to create a minimum of 1500 jobs when it opens in 2026.

Despite the school name, JCB is not the only employer that sponsors apprentices who have gone through the JCB Academy. In fact, they list 14 core “challenge” partners, including Toyota and Rolls Royce. The JCB Academy receives funding from the British government, and is a free, public school open to all. Much like our CAST STEM, it offers cross-curricular hands-on STEM education, with a focus on business and engineering.

Students enroll in the JCB Academy at age 13, and between the ages of 13 and 16 have an opportunity to explore engineering, business and manufacturing. At age 16, they will decide whether to go to a short or long college course, or whether to enter an apprenticeship program. Employers sponsor these apprentices, who alternate between work and school, earning increasing wages as they proceed. 

Some students do a 2-year college course, and then an apprenticeship. Some students do an apprenticeship, and then pursue additional college. Some adults return to school to learn a new skill through an apprenticeship.

Despite the school name, JCB is not the only employer that sponsors apprentices who have gone through the JCB Academy. In fact, they list 14 core “challenge” partners, including Toyota and Rolls Royce.

I made the trip along with County Commissioner Rebecca Clay-Flores, Precinct 1 Special Projects & Operations Director Marcus Primm, Bexar County Economic Development Director Deborah Carter, H-E-B Workforce & Education Manager Katie Chain and 80\20 Foundation Executive Director Alexandra Frey.

Jeanne Russell

Executive Director

CAST Schools