Together, the partners have co-designed a two-stage electrification training pathway, spanning fundamental and intermediate levels delivered at MTI.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC, said: “We are thrilled to have won. Formed in response to a critical skills challenge facing the automotive sector, the partnership brings together the strengths of industry and education.”
The collaboration is addressing one of the automotive sector’s most pressing challenges – equipping engineers with the skills required to support the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicle technologies.
Lisa Bingley, Operations Director at MTI, explained: “JLR provides real-world insight and technical expertise, Coventry University contributes academic depth and progression routes and NWSLC delivers relevant skills’, focused training at our specialist MTI campus.
“The strength of this partnership lies in its agility – enabling us to respond at pace to the evolving demands of electrification and ensure engineers are equipped with the skills required both now and in the future.”
Since launching, the programme has already had a significant impact, with more than 2,000 engineers completing the fundamental training. Feedback has consistently highlighted the programme’s strong balance of theory and practical application, helping JLR engineers successfully transition into electrification roles.
Dr Eric Coolen, Technical Learning Manager for Engineering, Quality and IT at JLR, said: “As we began electrifying our fleet, it became clear that reskilling within product engineering was essential. The training programme developed in partnership with MTI, NWSLC and Coventry University was designed specifically for our needs, incorporating a high degree of practical elements where learners could try out real-world solutions.”
Carl Perrin, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, said: “This partnership exemplifies how industry and academia can work together to tackle current challenges and ensure our world leading brands remain competitive in evolving business climates.
“MTI represents a powerful model of collaboration between industry and academia, bringing together partners with a shared commitment to addressing real-world skills challenges.”
The collaboration is now playing a key role in supporting JLR’s wider electrification strategy, while also strengthening skills resilience across the Midlands’ advanced manufacturing supply chain.
Winners of the Insider Made in the Midlands Awards 2026 were announced at a ceremony in April in Birmingham. All winners will go on to compete at the national Made in the UK Awards, taking place on 19 November 2026 in Manchester.
Pictured: L-R Craig Line, Lisa Bingley, Simon Lomax. Award Presented by Craig Dorham
