The inaugural cohort of the newly established Nissan Skills Academy has officially commenced their apprenticeships at the Sunderland Plant, successfully completing a two-year program designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the factory floor.
The 12-strong group of students successfully completed the Level 2 Engineering program at Sunderland College’s City Campus. The curriculum included comprehensive training on technical production skills delivered by both college tutors and Nissan’s training staff. All the students, who originated from St Wilfrid’s R.C. College, achieved their qualifications. Five of the students have now started an apprenticeship with Nissan, while the others will either continue their secondary education into the sixth form or transition into T-Level programs in Engineering.
Building the Future Automotive Workforce
The Nissan Skills Academy is currently preparing to welcome its third intake of 10 students, while the second cohort continues to be supported as they enter the final year of the program. Both groups will receive hands-on engineering training, aiming to secure an apprenticeship opportunity at Nissan upon graduation.
The Nissan Skills Academy is an initiative developed through a partnership between Nissan, Sunderland College, and the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. It offers young people aged 14-16 the chance to gain practical experience in the automotive sector and develop competencies in the field of engineering.
Sunderland College City Campus has undergone a multi-million-pound investment, transforming it into a hybrid automotive technical skills hub. It is equipped with a 360-degree digital learning center, battery technology and robotics facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Expanding the Nissan Skills Foundation’s Reach
The Nissan Skills Academy is an extension of the Nissan Skills Foundation, which has been operating for 10 years with the goal of inspiring interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and automotive innovation among young people aged 9-16. This year, Nissan announced its plan to double the foundation’s annual capacity, aiming to reach 16,000 students per year.
This initiative is a fantastic example of a major manufacturer investing in local talent to secure a highly skilled future workforce, especially in the growing field of electric vehicle engineering.
