Jacobs has announced plans to hire approximately 2,400 staff in the U.K. over the next two years - the jobs will be a broad range of highly skilled professional and technical roles across diverse sectors.
Speaking at the opening of its new European flagship office in London at the Cottons Centre this week, Jacobs President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Pragada said:
"Britain is a critical market for Jacobs. This investment is an indication of our ongoing confidence in the U.K. economy and its long-term infrastructure plans."
"Our people are helping to tackle some of the U.K.'s most complex challenges to make the future better, delivering projects to safeguard the environment and improve the security, connectivity, resiliency and productivity of the U.K."
Joining Jacobs' existing U.K. workforce of more than 9,000 employees, the new roles will be based across the company's 30-plus U.K. offices, delivering digital and other advanced technical solutions to support more connected communities, cleaner air and water, cyber defences, strategic deterrent, clean energy and environmental clean-up.
One-third of the US-headquartered technical professional services group's 1,300 hires in the U.K. over the past year were graduates, interns and apprentices.
As part of its strategy to continue developing talent, Jacobs is collaborating with the London Interdisciplinary School to create a new undergraduate program integrated with the real world. Students will train to solve problems cross a variety of sectors.
Jacobs also has programs and a full suite of formal training to ensure existing employees are always learning. This includes courses to develop technical skills, continue professional development and train as mental health champions.
Jacobs also offers an MSc in Business and Strategic Leadership with Cranfield University's School of Management to develop high-potential leaders.
New European flagship Office to support strategic growth
The new London office is central to the company's growth strategy in Europe and the Middle East. The Jacobs-designed office on the banks of the Thames, takes advantage of sustainable reuse of space to provide a flexible, collaborative and work environment for up to 1,000 employees.
Jacobs has re-stated its confidence and commitment in the U.K. and its development plans. Earlier this year, it announced its intent to acquire John Wood Group's Nuclear business for an enterprise value of £250 million (approximately $300 million), and 50% of U.K.-based social value measurement and wellbeing firm, Simetrica.
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