Member Article

Russians rushing to Gateshead

Staff from Nissan’s new Russian plant have travelled more than 1,300 miles to train at Gateshead College’s specialist automotive academy. The six team leaders and manufacturing staff are in Gateshead to complete panel repair training in preparation for the opening of Nissan’s new manufacturing plant in Russia, which is due to start operating early next year.

They are spending a week at Gateshead College’s Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics to help them develop their skills.

Kevin Marston, head of automotive and logistics at Gateshead College, said: “It is a great compliment to have one of the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturers choose Gateshead College to train its staff. “Our first-class facilities coupled with the expertise of industry experienced lecturing staff gives us the edge on other training establishments. Plus, we already work closely with Nissan’s Sunderland plant and provide training for all of its apprentices so we are familiar with the company’s work ethic and practices.”

Since opening the academy in 2005, Gateshead College has formed a productive partnership with Nissan in Sunderland. Based in Team Valley, the £5.5 million building incorporates a training centre for Nissan apprentices, including simulated production lines, a rolling road for vehicle testing and specialist welding facilities.

The Russian trainees are training on body shells and panels which have been given to the college by Nissan in Sunderland. They will also take a tour of the site, which is a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) for automotive and logistics.

Grigory Gagarin, an advance skilled manufacturing team member from Nissan’s Russian workforce, said: “We are really enjoying our time in England and everyone at Gateshead College has made us feel very welcome. This training will enable us to go back to Russia with new skills which will help us in developing a process for high volume production.”

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