The company aims to tackle the engineering skills gap and inspire and attract a diverse range of talent and new thinking.
Auto major Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with Gorillaz app to recruit the next generation of world-class electronics and software engineering talent with a code-breaking challenge found in the virtual band’s app.
A new area has been created in the app in the form of a 360 degree environment situated in the garage of the band’s home, which also features all iconic vehicles from the past.
The first part is designed to educate users about the benefits of electric vehicles, and involves assembling the Jaguar I-PACE Concept, Jaguar’s first all-electric five-seater sports car. Besides, users can learn about the vehicle’s performance, battery technology, space, charging and range.
The second part is the real recruitment game which will engage the electronic wizards and coders to crack the code in Alternate Reality Game format (ARG).
The challenge, through a series of code breaking puzzles, will test the curiosity, persistence, lateral thinking and problem solving skills of the participant – all real world attributes of a new generation of software and engineering talent.
However, this is just one part of the selection process. Successful game players will be fast-tracked but will have to go through Jaguar Land Rover’s traditional recruitment process.
The company in its official communiqué says, “Traditional application methods remain open and CVs will be accepted, but Jaguar Land Rover invites potential applicants to download the app, break the codes and solve the problems to fast-track their way into employment.
The company aims to tackle the engineering skills gap and inspire and attract a diverse range of talent and new thinking.
Alex Heslop, head of electrical engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, says in an official communiqué, “This an engaging way to recruit a diverse talent pool in software systems, cyber systems, app development and graphics performance. It will be the first of its kind.”
“As the automotive industry transforms over the next decade, fueled by software innovation, we have to attract the best talent and that requires a radical rethink of how we recruit,” he adds.
The project follows from Jaguar Land Rover’s STEM initiative with Gorillaz in 2016, where founder member and female guitarist, Noodle, became Jaguar’s Formula E Racing Ambassador.