Nissan launches apprenticeship drive
Nissan is recruiting over 25 new apprentices to bolster the workforce at its Sunderland plant in the UK.
The company’s five year maintenance technician scheme is widely recognised as one of the best in the industry. Once apprentices have completed their training, they’ll be responsible for keeping Nissan’s production line running smoothly 24 hours a day. Starting in September, the new recruits will spend the first year of scheme full time at Gateshead College, spending increasing amounts of time in the plant over the following four years.
As well as Nissan’s in-house training, apprentices will also receive a number of nationally recognised qualifications including an extended certificate in Engineering and an HNC in the same subject, as well as NVQs in performing engineering operations and engineered systems.
Nissan currently has 187 apprentices on its books covering all areas of the business from the shop floor to the offices, while four of Nissan’s senior management team, including managing director Kevin Fitzpatrick started their careers through apprenticeships.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, vice president for manufacturing in the UK said, ‘Apprenticeships have been critical to Nissan’s success in the UK, and I’d encourage firms of all shapes and sizes to look at them as a way of growing their business.’
