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Nissan set to recruit yet more apprentices
Nissan Sunderland is recruiting its highest ever number of apprentices as the plant searches for the talent of the future .
The plant ’ s apprenticeship scheme has 140 positions available in areas including manufacturing , maintenance , business administration and engineering , making it the largest intake in the plant ’ s 39-year history .
Manufacturing vice president Alan Johnson said : “ There has never been a more exciting time to join our team .
“ A place on our apprenticeship scheme brings an opportunity to progress within Nissan and to help shape our electrified future .”
Minister for Skills , Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon visited the plant to meet Nissan apprentices and view
A Sunderland-based web agency is searching for the next phase of its growth story with the help of a five-figure investment .
Blueocto specialises in providing a range of bespoke web services , including website design , responsive web development , web audits and SEO , and has an increasing focus on delivering Shopify and other ecommerce solutions , primarily for SMEs across the North-East .
Based at the North East BIC , Blueocto was founded in 2015 by experienced developer Caroline Hagan , who worked as a sole practitioner for five years before deciding to grow her business at the beginning of the pandemic on the back of increased client demand .
Having since built a five-strong team over the last three years , Blueocto is now looking to use the £ 30,000 Small Loan Fund
The future – a number of new apprentices have taken up roles at car giant Nissan .
the scheme first hand .
Since production began in 1986 , Nissan has had more than 2,200 apprentices through the doors , many who have gone on to hold senior management positions at the plant .
In a demonstration of the foundation ’ s ability to inspire , the plant currently has five apprentices who attended a session while at school .
Alan Johnson added : “ Inspiring more than 75,000 young minds is a fantastic achievement for our dedicated Nissan Skills Foundation team .”
The Skills Foundation , launched in 2013 , enables students to experience the innovation and excitement of automotive design , engineering and manufacturing that takes place at Nissan Sunderland through a range of workshops , competitions and practical activities .
Web agency set for growth with fund backing
investment , which was obtained through regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers , to help create new jobs as it builds its client base within and outside the region .
At least two new roles are expected to be created in the coming months as Blueocto enhances its business development and marketing activity and takes on more and bigger projects .
APPRENTICESHIPS – THREE FACTS
Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to tap into raw talent , upskill their staff and grow their businesses .
But , do small businesses know how to access apprenticeship opportunities and how they can cover the costs ?
The apprenticeship levy can be extremely beneficial to small businesses if used in the right way .
Large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy can choose to transfer up to 25 per cent of their own levy funds each year to other businesses , to pay for their apprenticeships . A transfer covers 100 per cent of the training costs and avoids smaller businesses paying the 5 per cent contribution towards the training .
It offers businesses the opportunity to flex their training and apprenticeship needs by employing different people with varied skills and experience . Flexi-job apprenticeships are designed to ensure that those sectors and occupations , where short-term contracts or other non-standard employment models are the norm , can access the benefits of apprenticeships .
SMEs can use apprenticeships to upskill and reskill existing staff to help fill key skill gaps in the business , boost employee motivation and improve retention . There is now an apprenticeship standard to cover almost any job role and employers can access industry endorsed training at a fraction of the cost of paying for it commercially .
Remember , it is possible for the apprenticeship levy transfer to be used for existing staff , too .
Suzanne Lees-Jones Labour market information and insight co-ordinator , North East Ambition
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