The Nissan Academy will give local students the chance to study for a specialised qualification in Engineering while studying for their GCSEs, spending time both on the college campus and here with us at the world-leading Sunderland plant.

Supported by college tutors and experts from Nissan, they will have the chance to develop the technical skills needed for a career in advanced manufacturing and engineering, and are guaranteed an apprenticeship assessment with Nissan upon successful completion of the programme.

Michael Jude, HR Director at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said:

“The students of today are the engineers and manufacturers of the cars of tomorrow and we are passionate about nurturing and refining the talent of the future. This partnership will benefit our plant as well as the wider supply chain as the North East region pushes towards becoming an electric vehicle manufacturing hub.”

The initial cohort to be onboarded will be from St Wilfrid’s R.C. College, part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.  

Brendan Tapping, Chief Executive Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: 

“We are delighted to be working in partnership to provide a blend of vocational learning and academic education. This is an exciting opportunity providing pupils with not only great qualifications, and high-quality work experience, but also support to develop the attributes expected by future employers. This gives our students an advantage in an increasingly competitive job market, allowing them to be the best version of themselves”