From ICE to EV: how JLR is transforming people for the mobility revolution

JLR accelerates the transition to electric vehicles with a focus on people, D&I, and green skills, through investments, family support policies, and educational partnerships.

The transformation in the automotive industry has reached JLR with the Reimagine strategy, which places electrification, digital manufacturing, and modern luxury at the center of the business.

Claire Parker, global head of D&I, states that a diverse workforce broadens the solutions needed to face technological changes.

How JLR is changing

The company is advancing rapidly with significant investments, including the £250 million upgrade of Halewood for EV-ready lines, an advanced digital ecosystem, the introduction of 750 autonomous mobile robots, in addition to ADAS calibration technology. Renewable energy projects support the trajectory towards net zero carbon.

Putting people at the center of change

The transformation is not just technological. JLR reinforces the employee experience with standout policies, such as up to 52 weeks of maternity leave covering adoption and surrogacy, plus an additional 12 weeks for neonatal care, and advancements in the menopause policy. All of this underpins a vision for the future where cutting-edge technology goes hand-in-hand with human support.

Skills development for the green transition

In the Future Skills Programme, the company invests around £20 million per year in upskilling for electrification, focusing on high-voltage training and development centers that promote career progression. A culture of transparency, allyship, and accountability is evident through the inclusion index at 83% and the recognition of signing the Race at Work Charter, being the first UK automotive employer to do so. Over 3,100 members of employee-led networks help shape culture and decision-making.

Closing the green skills gap

JLR invests in education, community outreach, and workforce development to prepare the next generation for the transition to sustainable mobility. Initiatives include supporting Cambridge OCR for a Level 3 sustainability certificate, a network of over 1,000 STEM ambassadors, and sustainability-focused modules in early career programs, opening pathways for diverse talent.

D&I as a driver of industrial change

As the industry undergoes one of the biggest changes in its history—including electrification, factory transformation, and the emergence of new vehicles—D&I remains central to the strategy. Diversity of perspectives drives creativity and the adoption of new technologies and methods. Research indicates that inclusive cultures help attract and retain talent and exceed financial goals.

Results, transparency, and structural commitment

Progress is measurable: the inclusion index reached 83%, the company received the Gold Award for Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2025, and policies such as parental leave, menopause support, investment in inclusive clothing, and well-being strengthen loyalty and career progression, especially among women. Partnerships with STEM Women, Bright Network, and Amos Bursary help create a diverse pipeline for engineering and technical areas, with female leadership rising from 19% in 2019 to 25% today.

JLR also practices transparency: it annually publishes the gender pay gap and has voluntarily published the ethnicity pay gap for three consecutive years. Inclusive recruitment initiatives, the Create Possible program for schools, and support for the JLR Foundation reinforce the commitment to youth and future opportunities.

The set of efforts includes actions that strengthen the educational and professional ecosystem, focusing on closing STEM gaps and creating sustainable pathways for diverse talent to enter engineering and technical areas.

See the full report in the March 2026 edition of Manufacturing Digital.

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