Nissan seeks tomorrow’s motor technicians

NISSAN Ireland has announced details of the company’s Generation Next Apprenticeship Scheme that’s now open for applications.

The innovative new apprenticeship scheme aims to find the

‘technicians of tomorrow’ and it’ll create an estimated 100 jobs in the motor industry over the next four years.

Applications will be accepted until March 9 and are open to anyone over the age of 16 focused on a career in cars with industry leading training.

Successful candidates will be enrolled in the seven phase SOLAS Motor Apprenticeship programme, attend three off-site training phases and work on placement in a Nissan Network Dealer.

In addition, throughout their apprenticeship they will be supported by the Nissan Ireland Training Academy ensuring they reach the highest standards possible.

“We are introducing this scheme to tackle the identified short to medium-term, skilled labour shortage in our industry,

? says Nissan Ireland chief executive, James McCarthy.

“With the increase of car buyers choosing new cars for their value, economy, safety and environmental merits, the days of the gifted amateur are over; we need to future-proof Nissan Ireland’s technical staff to have technicians as highly trained as our cars technology demands.

“Over the next four years we see opportunities for up to 100 full-time jobs for trained technicians.

?

What makes this scheme less ordinary is Nissan Ireland’s constant encouragement of trainees throughout the familiar apprenticeship model to succeed.

Top scoring graduates will be given an opportunity to further their career through scholarships on DIT Automotive third level degree courses while they’re employed full-time with Nissan.

They can also advance into the Nissan Generation Next Academy, where they’ll receive Nissan Master Technician training (including entry into NISTEC, Nissan’s prestigious world-wide skills competition).

Nissan Ireland training and technical manager, Ken Ward, trained as an apprentice himself and sees the value of offering young apprentices a career plan and job security alongside a higher level of technical ability and qualification.

“My experience in the motor industry has given me a clear understanding that the future of the industry is reliant on educated, capable technicians,

? he explains.

“Technicians infused with the ability to both understand and master existing and future technology associated with an innovative brand like Nissan and the automotive industry in general.

?

SOLAS director Ray Kelly is delighted with Nissan Ireland’s Generation Next initiative and says it’s a great example of great training for the future.

Applications by post to Nissan Generation Next Apprentice Academy, Nissan Ireland, Cedar House, Parkwest Business Park, Dublin 12 or by email to generationnext@nissan.ie