Nissan’s apprentice scheme motors on
May 22 2009 by David Old, The Journal
APPRENTICES have been given a boost after car giant Nissan announced plans to continue its training scheme.
The Washington plant has struggled to cope with a drop in demand due to the credit crunch and laid off 1,200 workers earlier this year.
However, the site is looking to take on 20 trainees as it prepares for the future.
The announcement comes after the Government revealed plans to create 3,000 new apprentices across the UK under an £11m scheme.
Vice president of human resources for Nissan Europe, Danny Griffiths, said: “The apprenticeship programme was established in 1984, the same year as the plant. Since then over 340 trainees have taken part, many of who still work here. Apprentices are very important to us.
“Launching the 2009 scheme is just one of the ways that we are continuing to invest in our future, which will position Nissan for strong growth when the global economy improves.”
The trainee maintenance technicians will spend the first year at Gateshead College’s Skills Academy, with the remaining four years spent carrying out on-the-job training at Nissan with day release at the college.
