Nissan is hiring up to 40 new apprentices to tackle the shortage of skilled labour in Ireland.

That shortage has been created by the rapid development of technology driving the demand for connected, autonomous and electric cars.

Applications are now open online and successful candidates will be employed by local Nissan dealerships across Ireland before the end of the year and mentored and trained over four years to become qualified automotive technicians.

The top scoring graduate will receive a scholarship to pursue a degree in automotive engineering at a third-level institute of their choice as well as a brand new, taxed and insured Nissan to drive for a year.

The ‘Nissan Generation Next Apprentice Academy’ has been specially developed by Nissan to support the next generation of master technicians and industry leaders who are ambitious and focused on developing a career within the Irish motor industry.

Apprentices will complete their normal block release apprenticeship with Solas. They will receive Nissan product training throughout their apprenticeship relevant to their experience and ability and will continue their education to qualify as Nissan Master Technicians.

“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.

Applications for the ‘Nissan Generation Next Apprenticeship Academy’ can be made online at www.nissan.ie . The closing date for applications is Friday, 25th November 2016.