Waste timber packaging would be recycled to provide heating

The JCB Academy would be housed in a refurbished Grade II-listed mill in Rocester, Staffordshire, and would have a water turbine to create energy.

The facility would offer 540 places to those aged 14 to 19 from the county and Derbyshire with diplomas being gained.

JCB said it must encourage more young people to pursue careers with the firm.

(The school) would also have a positive impact in deprived areas JCB spokesman

The firm said students would be taught academic and vocational skills at the 18th Century Tutbury Mill in Rocester, where the company has its world headquarters.

The school, which is planned to open in 2009, would provide diplomas in engineering, manufacturing and international business, a spokesman said.

Consultations have already been carried out with school head teachers, further education colleges and local education authorities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Privately-sponsored Academy schools, which are independent but publicly-funded, have previously been set up in some of the poorest parts of the country to turn around failing comprehensives.

The eco-friendly aspects include plans to revive the mill's water race and install a modern water turbine to create energy and solar panels to heat water.

'Right calibre'

Waste timber packaging from JCB factories will also be recycled into biomass chips to provide heating at the site, while rain water will be collected to flush toilets.

Building work is planned to start this winter, although the plans are subject to a feasibility study being done by the Department for Education and Skills.

A company spokesman said: "It is hoped that the Academy would not only raise the profile and appeal of manufacturing among youngsters.

"But (it) would also have a positive impact in deprived areas, including parts of Stoke-on-Trent and Derby."

Paul Pritchard, head of JCB Academy Project, said it needs to help more youngsters of the right calibre and attitude to follow careers with the company or other successful manufacturers and businesses.

He said: "The JCB Academy would develop a passion for technical and academic excellence in engineering, manufacturing and international business."