Royal Watch News

Prince Andrew urges students to embrace education

Oct 5, 2012, 11:02 GMT

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew has urged young Britons to 'take education by the scruff of the neck'.

The Duke of York spoke to staff and students at the £22 million JCB Academy - which caters for 14 to 19 year olds who want to specialise in engineering and business - in Staffordshire, Central England, yesterday (04.10.12) as he checked out the venue's state-of-the-art facilities, and advised pupils to 'make the most' of their job opportunities in life.

He said: 'By recognising places like the JCB Academy we can get the message out - there is an option for young people to learn in a challenging environment.

'We are looking for innovative, flexible, well-educated and technically skilled people who can grow the prosperity of this country.

'You are being given an opportunity to learn teamwork and leadership. Make the most of these challenges because that's what is going to make you a leader not just in industry but in the country and society.

'This is taking education by the scruff of the neck and giving it a shake and developing something fantastic.'

Andrew - whose love of travel has earned him the nickname of Airmiles Andy - presented plates and certificates to the establishment's industry partners including motor giants Toyota and Rolls-Royce and spoke to former students about their working experiences.

William Wainwright, 18 - who now works in the manufacturing department at JCB's Compact Products - is quoted by The Sentinel newspaper as saying: 'It was a real honour to meet a member of the royal family.

'I have always been interested in engineering and I really love my job.'