The JCB Academy Sixth Form works in partnership with several leading commercial organisations to provide learners with experiences that go far beyond academic study. These partnerships help contextualise classroom learning, develop employability skills, and expose learners to real-world engineering and business environments. Our current partners include Toyota, RAF Cosford, JCB, Bosch Rexroth, Staffordshire University, National Grid, and Barclays Bank.
Through these collaborations, learners engage in a range of authentic challenges linked directly to industry practice and real-world problem solving.
JCB – Centre of Operational Excellence
Engineering learners spend two weeks at the Centre of Operational Excellence at JCB World Headquarters. This bespoke programme, designed by JCB’s Operational Excellence team, focuses on lean manufacturing and quality improvement.
Learners explore the full range of tools and techniques used by JCB to drive operational excellence, applying their knowledge in practical assembly-based challenges that mirror real workplace processes.
Bosch Rexroth – Hydraulics Challenge and London Eye Experience
Engineering learners take part in the Bosch Rexroth Hydraulics Challenge, a specialist programme tailored to support their hydraulics unit and designed in collaboration with industry experts.
Over several weeks, Bosch Rexroth engineers deliver in-depth hydraulics teaching at the academy before learners travel to Bosch Rexroth HQ in St Neots for an intensive day of hands-on training. The experience includes:
- A guided factory tour exploring industrial hydraulic systems
- Practical exercises using Bosch Rexroth hydraulic training rigs
- Real-time demonstrations of drive and control technologies
The challenge culminates in a unique opportunity with Merlin Entertainments at the London Eye. Once the attraction has closed to the public, learners gain behind-the-scenes access to:
- Observe the London Eye’s hydraulic drive system in operation
- View the hydraulic power pack beneath the structure
- Learn about pumps, valves, sensors, and preventative maintenance
- See the hydraulic systems driving the passenger capsules
This exclusive experience brings engineering theory to life in a way very few people ever witness, representing the academy’s commitment to changing lives by developing the engineers and business leaders of the future.
RAF Cosford – Aerospace Engineering and Materials Investigation
The visit to RAF Cosford is a key element of the T-Level Engineering curriculum, enabling learners to see real-world aerospace engineering practice and contextualise learning from Year 12 theory.
Learners observe RAF technicians demonstrate the hydraulic operation of the undercarriage, fuel probe, wing flaps, and air brakes on the Jaguar aircraft — directly linking to the hydraulics knowledge gained through the Bosch Rexroth Challenge.
As part of their Engineering Materials unit, learners also investigate:
- Real aircraft components and structures
- A dedicated composite materials work area housing tail fins, wing flaps, and body panels
- Material behaviour, corrosion, and failure modes in authentic aerospace applications
This workshop access is exclusive to The JCB Academy, created specifically for our learners in collaboration with RAF Cosford. Additional RAF technical staff support the visit, ensuring learners receive expert guidance and practical insight.
Learners also experience working alongside RAF apprentices, observing maintenance operations and taking part in supervised hands-on activities such as fitting components to RAF aircraft, including Red Arrows models.
RAF Cosford provides this outstanding educational opportunity at no cost, with only transport and staff supervision required from the academy.