Job Title: Learning Solutions Specialist
Company: Jaguar Land Rover
What is your background, and how did you come to be in your present role?
I joined Jaguar Land Rover in 1999, originally intending it to be a short-term job before going back to university. But I ended up staying. I started in the trim hall at Castle Bromwich and later moved to Body-in-White. Over the years, I’ve taken on a range of roles—group leader, production leader, damage management, and IPS (Integrated Production Systems) coach.
It was while running the Group Leader Academy that I discovered a passion for learning and development. Two years ago, I went for a role in L&D and got it. I’m now a Learning Solutions Specialist in a central team, working across sites like Solihull, Halewood and Castle Bromwich. I help onboard new starters through our “Licence to Operate” programme and also run lean Lego sessions for our “Young Person to Work” days.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in your career?
Setting up the Group Leader Academy at Castle Bromwich in just six weeks. Other plants had up to 12 months to prepare, but our manager wanted it ready quickly. We had to organise everything—from materials and room bookings to coordinating with external partners like T3 (for leadership coaching) and Make UK (for risk assessment training). Despite the time pressure, we delivered a successful programme that ran for about three years.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Redesigning the lean Lego activity we use for new starters. Originally, it featured a generic beach buggy. I proposed using a product we actually build—a yellow LEGO Defender. We added a Midnight variant and even created an electric Safari Defender version to reflect our future production plans.
The session simulates a production line with different roles—production leader, group leader, logistics, etc.—and incorporates challenges like line balancing and workload distribution. It’s been a hit with new starters and young visitors alike. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people having fun while learning lean principles in a hands-on way.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Start a good pension early—seriously! I always tell my three lads this. It seemed like a big commitment when I first joined, but looking back now, it was one of the smartest things I ever did.
More broadly, I’d say: understand yourself, be kind, and have empathy. You never know what someone else is going through. Sometimes just a small gesture, like saying “good morning”, can make a big difference.
How do you think we can raise the profile of careers in STEM?
One simple but effective idea: invite children to see what their parents do. At JLR, we run “Young Person to Work” days, and it’s amazing how engaged and curious the kids become. They start asking about apprenticeships, about engineering—it really opens their eyes to manufacturing in a way that school alone might not.
What is your favourite engineered or manufactured product?
The Land Rover Defender. I had the opportunity to drive all the models during a Land Rover Experience day at Eastnor Castle, and it was amazing. What these vehicles can do—driving on extreme angles, off-road handling—it’s just incredible. Seeing the capabilities firsthand gives you a new appreciation for the work that goes into building them.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
In 2012, I was selected by JLR to help at the first Invictus Games in London. I worked alongside colleagues from different sites, managing tasks like timing events, directing participants, and even handing out medals. The highlight? I got to meet Prince Harry—he was genuinely lovely.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in manufacturing?
Go for it. Manufacturing is one of the most exciting environments you can work in. There’s always something happening, and the sense of community is strong—I’ve made lifelong friends here.
And it’s not what people think. It’s not dark, dirty, or outdated. Today’s manufacturing is clean, high-tech, and full of opportunity. It’s not just about assembling cars—it’s about design, innovation, logistics, and so much more. I came here for 12 months… 27 years later, I’m still here!
