A PURPOSE-BUILT and state-of-the-art training facility has opened in Doncaster and will provide training for Nissan and Renault dealerships across the UK and provide many more opportunities for young apprentices every year.
Operated by the brands’ training partner Bosch, the 37,000 square foot centre replaces an outdated building in the town that has delivered industry-leading training courses for the brands’ retail networks for the past three years.
Eight fully equipped workshop areas and 12 classrooms will provide training for 300 apprentices from dealerships across the country during 2018 and each year around 100 automotive apprentices will qualify through the centre.
In addition, the centre will host technical training courses and programmes for qualified technicians on the latest technologies, as well as specialised sales and commercial training.
Alex Smith, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB), said: “This is a very important day for Nissan as it marks the start of a new era of training and development at a time when technology is transforming the automotive industry at an unprecedented pace.
“Our focus on Nissan Intelligent Mobility puts us at the cutting edge of electric vehicle and autonomous drive technology and this fantastic new facility will ensure our teams across the country are fully prepared for what lies ahead.
“Ultimately this is about delivering the highest standards of vehicle care for our customers.”
Vincent Tourette, Managing Director at Groupe Renault UK, said: “These new facilities will allow us develop the automotive talent of tomorrow – at a critical time when the Renault line-up is becoming increasingly autonomous, connected and electric. As the technology on our vehicles continues to advance, so does the need to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience, and this new training facility will play a key role in helping us to further improve the experience we offer to all of our customers.”
Dr. Steffen Hoffmann, President, Bosch UK said: “The automotive industry is currently undergoing a major technological transition, requiring additional skills. This new training centre will support the UK’s automotive sector to continue its role as a global industry powerhouse. I look forward to seeing a new generation of world class technical experts graduating, whilst already qualified technicians will be kept up to date with the latest technologies reinforcing the region’s global credentials as a centre of automotive excellence”
Performing the official opening ceremony, The Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton MP, said: “I am delighted to be opening this training centre. Training, up-skilling and apprenticeships are a vital part of making our industries successful and competitive. I am very pleased that Bosch is locating this centre here in Doncaster.”
