Member Article

Nissan training partner expands following new deal

A training and outsourcing company, headquartered at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland, has expanded on site following a new partnership with Nissan’s record-breaking Sunderland Plant.

The NAC Group, which has occupied 3,122 sq ft of office space at Anderson House on the BIC site since 2003, has taken over an additional 2,400 sq ft of space in Unit 5, in line with the launch of the Youth Evolution Scheme (YES), which provides unemployed school leavers with the work experience and the chance to apply for a job at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.

NAC has enjoyed a partnership with Nissan for 10 years. The YES scheme sees the two companies working together once again to deliver the tailor-made 19-week programme, which comprises 11 weeks of interactive learning using a simulated working environment at the new NAC premises, followed by eight weeks shadowing staff on Nissan’s world-famous production line.

This additional space will be used to carry out a range of training using state of the art technology. Candidates will develop a professional CV, work on their employability skills and work towards manufacturing their very own car model, before pitching their ideas.

Paul Robson, managing director of the NAC Group, said that the company is delighted to be expanding its operation at the BIC as a result of the launch of the YES scheme. He said: “This is a really exciting time for the NAC Group as we expand our operations at the North East BIC to deliver this fantastic new project. The range of space and facilities at the BIC is perfectly suited to our needs and its central location, close to Nissan Sunderland Plant, makes it even more ideal.

“We have long enjoyed a great working relationship with Nissan and we’re delighted to be partnering with the organisation again to provide world-class training to young people who want to expand their skills and qualities to move into the manufacturing industry.”

Louise Hardy, business mentor at the North East BIC said: “I’m delighted that NAC Group is expanding its base here at the BIC. The business has grown substantially since first setting up here 10 years ago, and its pleasing to watch the business go from strength to strength as they establish themselves as an integral part of the Nissan supply chain. I look forward to seeing the business continue to prosper and grow.”

The YES Programme is designed for 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training, giving them the opportunity to gain formal qualifications and to experience life in the workplace.

Those who complete the course will gain formal qualifications in English and Maths, a nationally-accredited Certificate in Preparation for Employment in the Engineering Manufacturing Industry, and a certificate in vocational competence from the NAC Group.

The qualifications gained will be equivalent to the entry standards required to apply for a manufacturing apprenticeship or a full-time position at Nissan, depending on age, or to a company in the automotive supply chain, through the NAC Group.

The Youth Evolution Scheme is being supported by the Education Funding Agency as part of the UK Government’s Traineeship programme, which is aimed at giving young people the skills and experience they need to secure a sustainable job or to secure an apprenticeship.

Applicants must be aged 16, 17 or 18 on September 2nd, 2013 and currently not in education, employment or training. Anyone interested can apply online at http://careersatnissan.co.uk and follow the link to the Apprentices and Training Schemes section.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section