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Nissan Ireland is launching a nationwide recruiting drive to hire and train 40 new apprentice technicians, to plug what it sees as a gap in Ireland's automotive engineering jobs market.
Online applications are open now through the Nissan website, and the apprentice who logs the best overall score from the class of 40 will be given the opportunity to take a scholarship course in automotive engineering at a third-level college.
It's being called the 'Nissan Generation Next Apprentice Academy' and is being run in co-operation with training experts Solas. The candidates will complete a standard Solas course, but will also be given specific Nissan product-related training and instruction. The course takes four years, and the plan is for candidates to come out ready to be employed by Nissan dealers across Ireland.
"This is no ordinary apprenticeship. It is highly focused on meeting the shortage of skilled labour in our industry and on equipping those who apply with the skills and expertise to respond to the exciting challenges created by the new technology driving the demand for connected, autonomous and electric vehicles," said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland.
"Successful applicants to the 'Nissan Generation Next Apprenticeship Academy' will be mentored by our Master Technicians and our expert staff throughout their apprenticeship. We created the Academy to future-proof our business and our aim is to fully train and retain our apprentices across our dealer network," he added.
"This is an exciting time to be employed in the motor industry. Nissan is driving the development of autonomous and electric vehicles. We have a very clear vision of where we see the motor industry in 2020 and our apprentices will be trained to ensure that we realise it and to lead the way into the future" said Mr. McCarthy.
Applicants should have completed the Leaving Certificate and Nissan is especially interested in receiving applications from first and second year engineering students who may be reconsidering their college choice or students that have recently completed a FETAC course who are interested in pursuing a career as a Master Technician within the motor industry.
The closing date for applications is November 25th.