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Nissan to train 1000 unemployed

Up to 1,000 unemployed people are to receive training from Nissan that could equip them for future job opportunities, including working on electric vehicles.

The Japanese car company’s Sunderland factory is optimistic that job opportunities will arise with the arrival of Qazana production from next year, and the new electric vehicle battery plant soon after.

There is also still the possibility that the factory could be chosen for European production of the Leaf, Nissan’s new electric car.

The Sunderland-based NAC Group, which provides “green collar” training, is working with Nissan on the training initiative with Gateshead College and Job Centre Plus.

The plant is expected to learn by the end of the year whether it has won the race to build the Leaf, after the company announced in July that its European centre of excellence for battery manufacturing would sit alongside its existing factory.

The first batch of 120 trainees have started their five-week placement on the scheme.

Steve Pallas, Nissan’s training and development manager, said: “From a Nissan point of view, what we are looking to do is to prepare these individuals for future jobs that will come when the economy turns around.

“It will give them the skills they need so that when they go on a line trial they can demonstrate to their supervisor they have the skills and knowledge we are looking for.

“It means when things turn around we will have people who are job ready.”

As well as learning manufacturing techniques and basic skills, those taking part in the five-week placements will be taught about green issues and sustainability, as manufacturers are moving towards low-carbon vehicles.

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