Nissan opens applications for maintenance technician apprentices

Nissan opens applications for maintenance technician apprentices

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.

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.

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."

Applications for the maintenance technician apprenticeship scheme close on 20 March 2015. For more information on Nissan's apprenticeship scheme visit www.careersatnissan.co.uk

by: Becca Chaplin