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Jobs fair shines light on Wearside automotive industry

More than 600 jobseekers hoping to drive forward a career in the automotive industry were at the Stadium of Light for a major jobs fair last week. Hundreds of vacancies at Nissan and its Sunderland-based supply chain companies were on offer at the event, which was organised by Jobcentre Plus in conjunction with Sunderland City Council.

The event followed the recent announcement that the introduction of a third shift at Nissan will create an extra 800 jobs at the plant, and Nissan has signed up to the government’s Local Employment Partnership programme, pledging jobs for the long term unemployed and those at a disadvantage in the jobs market.

Cllr Bob Symonds, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The automotive sector is a key industry for Sunderland and the region. The local workforce is highly skilled and the news that a significant number of new jobs are to be created is excellent news for the city.”

Angela Wilkinson of Jobcentre Plus said: “Events like these are a popular choice for employers and jobseekers and we were delighted at the turnout. We were pleased to be able to work with Sunderland City Council and organise such a successful day.”

There are currently in excess of 10,000 people employed in the automotive industry in Sunderland. Nissan has been based in the city since 1981 and is creating additional jobs to cope with growing demand for its Qashqai vehicle.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .