Nissan Launches 2015 Apprenticeship Drive

Nissan is recruiting over 25 new apprentices to bolster the workforce at its Sunderland plant in the UK.

The company's five year maintenance technician scheme is widely recognised as one of the best in the industry. Once apprentices have completed their training, they'll be responsible for keeping Nissan's production line running smoothly 24 hours a day.

Starting in September, the new recruits will spend the first year of scheme full time at Gateshead College, spending increasing amounts of time in the plant over the following four years.

As well as Nissan's in-house training, apprentices will also receive a number of nationally recognised qualifications including an extended certificate in Engineering and an HNC in the same subject, as well as NVQs in performing engineering operations and engineered systems.

With growing demand for the apprenticeship positions, potential recruits will need to pass tests for aptitude and practical skills as well as an assessment day.

Nissan currently has 187 apprentices on its books covering all areas of the business from the shop floor to the offices, while four of Nissan's senior management team, including managing director Kevin Fitzpatrick started their careers through apprenticeships.

Fitzpatrick, vice president for manufacturing in the UK said: "We will recruit at least 25 new maintenance technician apprentices as part of the company's ongoing investment in our workforce.

"By the time our latest recruits serve their time they'll have the practical skills and academic qualifications they need to succeed in the automotive industry and just as importantly, they will understand exactly what's needed to keep Britain's biggest car plant running smoothly.

"Apprenticeships have been critical to Nissan's success in the UK, and I'd encourage firms of all shapes and sizes to look at them as a way of growing their business."

23 year old Stephen Bambrough from Penshaw who completed his five year apprenticeship last year and was named apprentice of the year said: "I studied engineering at school and was considering going to University when the opportunity came up to become an apprentice at Nissan. I really enjoyed the practical side and was attracted to maintenance because it is much more hands than engineering.

"I'd definitely recommend an apprenticeship, I got paid while I was learning and now I've got the confidence that comes with four years' experience with Nissan as well as my qualifications. It has been a great way to start my career."

Applications for the maintenance technician apprenticeship scheme close on 20 March 2015. For more information on Nissan's apprenticeship scheme visit www.careersatnissan.co.uk

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Nissan in the UK

Notes to Editors

About Nissan in the UK

• Nissan Sunderland Plant produces the Nissan Qashqai, Note and Juke and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF
• Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles began in 2012
• Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than eight million units with 80 per cent of production exported to 130 markets worldwide
• Total investment made and announced since then is over £3.5 billion
• 500,238 units were produced at Sunderland plant in 2014
• In 2014, one in three cars built in the UK was a Nissan.
• Sunderland Plant currently employs more than 6,700 people
• Nissan's European Design Centre is located in Paddington, London and employs around 65 people
• Nissan's European Technical Centre is based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and employs around 1,000 people
• Nissan's sales and marketing headquarters in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire employs around 190 people

About Nissan in Europe

Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 17,600 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last financial year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 675,000 vehicles including award-winning crossovers, small cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles, including the Nissan LEAF, the world's most popular electric vehiclewith 96% of customers willing to recommend the car to friends. Nissan now offers a strong line-up of 23 diverse and innovative models in Europe under the Nissan and Datsun brands.

About Nissan Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website athttp://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Stuart Boyd, Nissan Sunderland Plant Communications
Phone: +44 191 418 9384
Mob: +44 7580 330 850
Email: Stuart.boyd@nissan-nmuk.co.uk