Nissan has begun production of the third-generation Qashqai in Sunderland with a promise to offer every child in the North East a place on a special careers event.
The firm wants to inspire future generations of manufacturing and engineering professionals and is investing in a Nissan Skills Foundation event for youngsters.
The commitment to include every child in the North East is part of Nissan’s target to “step up our efforts to inspire the next generation of talent”.
This year, Nissan is marking 35 years of building cars in Britain – and the careers pledge comes after £400m of investment to build the latest Qashqai.
As well as being built in Britain, the Qashqai is also designed and engineered here.
Nissan has now sold 3.5 million Qashqai since launching the first one in 2007.
“We know it has been a tough year for young people,” said Nissan UK VP for manufacturing Alan Johnson, “so we’re using the launch of this next-generation car to step up our efforts to inspire the next-generation of manufacturing talent.
“We want every child in the North East of England to have the opportunity to be inspired by the Nissan Skills Foundation.”
Nissan founded its Skills Foundation in 2014 to encourage youngsters to consider careers in manufacturing.
Today, it comprises 10 different activities for children aged 7 to 18, and also provides resources for regional schools outside the area to take part in international STEM competitions.
More than 65,000 young people to date have taken part in a Nissan Skills Foundation event.
ALSO READ
Nissan cuts Leaf prices to qualify for Plug-in Car Grant
