The Duke chats to Lucy McQuoney of Burton and Jared Wheatley of Stafford at the JCB Academy.

The Duke of York has toured The JCB Academy during a visit to honour businesses that have contributed to its success.

Accompanied by JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, the Duke was shown around the school at Rocester, Staffordshire by principal Jim Wade. He met students and was shown the computer-aided design classroom where 3D design software is used, and also the computer-aided manufacturing centre where students use laser cutters to put their designs into production.

The Duke also toured the academy's workshops and welding facilities before visiting a lean manufacturing event being run by Bosch Rexroth, one of the academy's industrial partners.

The Duke of York was visiting The JCB Academy as part of his continued focus on University Technical Colleges and bringing together employers, educators, and young people, to promote, support and recognise the importance of the development of the various pathways to employment.

The Duke presented certificates and plates to Miles Pixley, JCB HR manager; Nicola Swaney of Rolls-Royce; Paul Fitzpatrick of Toyota; Chloe Tupper of National Grid; Julia Teale of Bentley; Alastair Johnstone of Bosch Rexroth and Louise Reynolds of Network Rail.

Principal Jim Wade says: "[The Duke of York] is a real supporter of technical and vocational training for young people and is keen to see the development of schools like The JCB Academy, which are giving young people the opportunities to develop the skills and intellectual capacity to help UK public limited companies compete in the global economy.