CAR manufacturer Nissan is hoping to recruit 20 trainee maintenance technicians for its 2009 apprentice scheme.

The five-year programme begins in September.

The first year will be devoted to training at Gateshead College’s Skills Academy, with the remaining four years spent on-the-job training at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, along with day release at the college.

Nissan said it would give trainees a valuable insight into all aspects of automotive and manufacturing maintenance and enable them to gain five engineering-based qualifications.

Nissan believes it is bucking the current trend with recent research carried out on behalf of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) showing a third of businesses are unlikely to take on an apprentice in the next year due to economic challenges in the motor sector.

To apply for Nissan’s apprenticeship programme you must be 16 or above, and will have, or be expected to gain four GCSEs including a grade A or B in maths, plus grade C or above in English and a science-based subject, preferably physics.

For further information, or to apply for an apprenticeship, visit nissan-recruit ment.eu; and search jobs for “trainee maintenance”.