Nissan training centre is gearing up for future

The Nissan Skills Foundation welcomed its 12,000th child in a special event held at the carmaker’s Global Training Centre, with pupils from Newbottle Primary Academy invited to take part in an inspiring Monozukuri Caravan activity offering children a unique insight into the world of manufacturing and engineering.

Monozukuri Caravan workshops offer Year 6 (age 11-12) pupils a fun, practical introduction to ‘monozukuri’ - the Japanese term for ‘the art of making things’.

Sessions give children hands-on experience through a series of interactive tasks aimed at unravelling the technology behind Nissan’s latest cars.

Adrian Smart is Human Resources Director at the Sunderland plant:“When we started the Nissan Skills Foundation, we set out a vision for 2017 to share our excitement for technology and innovation with over 15,000 children.

“We are delighted to say that 18 months in, we’re on track for not only reaching this target but exceeding it.

“This would not have been possible without the great enthusiasm pupils have showed for our activities, and the fantastic support offered by the teachers who recognise the value of STEM subjects and careers in manufacturing and engineering.”

The Nissan Skills Foundation has delivered more than 300 workshops, competitions and practical activities to schools across the region, using motorsports, electric vehicles and manufacturing.

Other activities include Nissan’s Blue Citizenship Eco Schools programme, which brings the firm’s commitment to building a greener society into schools. Students build a model electric vehicle and their own solar farm, and learn all about the technology behind the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The Sunderland plant is also home of the F1 in Schools competition, which brings pupils together in a series of Formula 1-themed activities where they get the chance to race their own model car and learn about the challenges behind launching a new vehicle.