Nissan's Sunderland plant is looking to recruit 20 trainees in spite of the recession. The plant is continuing its training scheme and wants applicants to join its five-year trainee maintenance technician apprenticeship programme.
Danny Griffiths, vice-president of human resources at Nissan Europe, said: "The apprenticeship programme was established in 1984, the same year as the plant. Since then more than 340 trainees have taken part, many of whom still work here - apprentices are very important to us. The 2009 scheme begins in September. The first year is devoted to training at Gateshead College's Skills Academy. For the remaining four years, trainees will do on-the-job training at Nissan with a day release at the college, to give them valuable insight into all aspects of automotive and manufacturing maintenance. By the end of the course, each apprentice will have gained five engineering-based qualifications."
The plant, which laid off 1,200 workers earlier this year because of the credit crunch, is bucking the trend in the motor industry. Research carried out on behalf of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) showed a third of businesses in the motor sector are unlikely to take on any apprentices in the next year. The research also found that 76 per cent of apprentices enjoyed their experience and three-quarters of those surveyed would do an apprenticeship again and recommend it to a friend.
More than 80 per cent of those questioned found work immediately after completing their apprenticeship. Four in ten found employment with the same employer that they did their apprenticeship with.
IMI careers assistant Emily Smith said: "We are asking for the continued support of training providers and employers to help recognise the essential role that apprenticeships are playing in today's business world, ensuring that the workforce has the skills it needs in order to remain competitive, even in difficult economic circumstances."
To apply for Nissan's apprenticeship programme, which is run in conjunction with NA College, you must be 16 or above. You will have, or be expected to gain, four GCSEs including a Grade A or B in maths, plus a Grade C or above in both English and a science-based subject, preferably physics. [Originally from Sunderland Echo]
