Nissan Ireland is one company that is placing a strong emphasis on attracting new talent to the motor industry and is enjoying considerable success with its Apprentice Academy.

Nissan is aiming to support the creation of 100 jobs over the next 5 years. The Nissan Apprentice Academy is an advanced apprenticeship programme run in conjunction with the standard SOLAS Motor Apprenticeship. The programme offers the next generation of technicians, the opportunity to work with Nissan’s latest advanced motoring technologies.

James McCarthy, Nissan Ireland Chief Executive, comments, "This is no ordinary apprenticeship as it offers a unique opportunity to work with the innovative intelligent mobility technologies that are shaping the future of the motor industry and driving the demand for Nissan cars. We created the Academy to develop the technicians of tomorrow and to help future-proof our business so that we can service the demand for connected, autonomous and electric cars like the zero emissions Nissan LEAF and new Nissan Qashqai.”

James says that what makes this advanced apprenticeship programme innovative is Nissan Ireland’s additional specialised training along with the continuous guidance and encouragement of all academy apprentices who are employed by the Nissan Dealer network. On successful completion of the standard SOLAS apprenticeship programme, the top scoring graduates will be given the opportunity to further their career within the Nissan Ireland Dealer Network. In addition, Nissan offers the highest performing graduate a scholarship into D.I.T Automotive third-level degree courses and advancement within the Nissan Academy, where they will receive Nissan Master Technician training (including entry into NISTEC Nissan’s world-wide skills competition).

James added, "This is an exciting time to be working in the motor industry. Nissan is leading the way with Intelligent mobility and changing the way cars are powered, driven and integrated into society. Now is the time to be part of this evolution.”

Nissan says it is especially interested in receiving applications from first and second year engineering students who may be reconsidering their college choice or from students who have recently successfully completed a QQI Level 5 award in Motor Technology course.

The Nissan Academy is committed to fairness and diversity and aims to support the Nissan Dealer Network by helping train and develop the very best ‘technicians of tomorrow’. The Academy is now taking new applications. The closing date for applications is Saturday 30th September 2017.

For more information go to www.nissan.ie/experience-nissan/apprentice-academy