Nissan to Launch Automotive Training Facility in Sunderland

Nissan has announced plans to establish a new training facility in Sunderland aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to enter the automotive sector. The initiative, known as the £14.6 million MADE NE project, is set to receive significant financial backing, with £9.6 million coming from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) following a favorable council report. The facility will focus on developing the skills of school children, apprentices, and current industry workers. Adam Pennick, vice president for manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland, emphasized the importance of future skills in automotive production, stating, "to build the cars of the future you need the skills of the future." The project is designed to become self-sustaining within five years, generating revenue through apprenticeship programs, sub-letting office space, and offering Nissan's training services commercially. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several partners, including NECA, Sunderland City Council, Education Partnership North East, New College Durham, AESC, Vantec, Newcastle University, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and the North East Automotive Alliance. This partnership aims to create a robust training ecosystem that supports the local workforce. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness highlighted the project's potential to cultivate a skilled workforce, stating that it would "unlock a generation of skilled workers." She further noted that the investment reflects a commitment to making the North East a hub for high-quality job opportunities and training, benefiting local workers and businesses alike.