Aycliffe Today Business | Page 14

14 | Aycliffe Today Business The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 15 Nissan Engineers of the Future Woodham Academy students have visited car-maker Nissan as part of an engineering day to inspire youngsters to get in to manufacturing. The group of Year 8 students from the school’s More Able Academy spent a day at the Sunderland plant to discover the world of industry, as part of the Government’s See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) Programme. SIM is a partnership between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and industry leaders such as Nissan and Vauxhall. Students heard how engineers are adapting to an ever changing world; how engineers who once studied traditional technologies such as petrol-powered vehicles are now learning about electric vehicle technology. The 14 students also learnt about the 100% electric Nissan LEAF - and took part in a tour of the production line to see the Qashqai and the Leaf being built. As well as inspiring the next generation, the national programme aims to open young eyes to the variety of careers available and raise aspirations within an integral industry. Woodham Headteacher, Christine Forsyth, said: “This is just another example of how we’re preparing our students for the world of work so that they can benefit from local opportunities within engineering and manufacturing. “As well as other initiatives we run, such as the Apprenticeship Awareness Programme, this is helping to give our students first-hand experiences of industry.” South Durham Enterprise Agency chief executive and Aycliffe Business Park Community board member Steve Robson with John Parnell, Business Durham’s business development area manager (South) with a huge map of Aycliffe Business Park. Businesses urged to put themselves ‘On The Map’ Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) has launched a new campaign to gather more information on companies and enable them to put themselves literally On The Map. We are a customer-focused business, with a wealth of experience in the transport, distribution and warehousing sectors. Stiller in brief: • Family owned business, established in 1954 • Cost-effective regional and