NISSAN is recruiting more than 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 the 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.
With growing demand for the apprenticeship positions, potential recruits will need to pass tests for aptitude and practical skills as well as an assessment day.
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.
Mr Fitzpatrick, Vice-President for Manufacturing in the UK, said: “We will recruit at least 25 new maintenance technician apprentices as part of the company’s ongoing investment in our workforce.
“By the time our latest recruits serve their time they’ll have the practical skills and academic qualifications they need to succeed in the automotive industry and, just as importantly, they will understand exactly what’s needed to keep Britain’s biggest car plant running smoothly.
“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.”
Twenty-three-year-old Stephen Bambrough from Penshaw, who completed his five-year apprenticeship last year and was named apprentice of the year, said: “I studied engineering at school and was considering going to university when the opportunity came up to become an apprentice at Nissan. I really enjoyed the practical side and was attracted to maintenance because it is much more hands-on than engineering.
“I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship. I got paid while I was learning and now I’ve got the confidence that comes with four years’ experience with Nissan as well as my qualifications. It has been a great way to start my career.”
Applications for the maintenance technician apprenticeship scheme close on 20 March 2015. For more information visit http://www.careersatnissan.co.uk/