The Nissan experience - a case study
NAC has a long-standing relationship with Nissan in the North East of England. Starting out as a supplier of lean training, the relationship between NAC and Nissan has evolved into a strategic partnership. Over the last decade, we have provided workforce training and logistical support to the company.
Working in close collaboration with our partners at Gateshead College, we recently delivered a short course in sustainable development to around 1,000 production staff at Nissan’s Sunderland plant. The aim was to introduce the workforce to the principles of sustainable development, and to start them applying these principles through practical projects in the workplace. Learners were also challenged to think about some of the wider issues, and the possible impact on their own lifestyles.
The course, which resulted in Certificate in Sustainable Development at Level 2, was part of a package of training activities put in place by the company to up-skill the workforce during the current downturn in the industry.
Getting people whose livelihood depends on making large numbers of cars to take a serious interest in sustainable development, was always going to be a challenge! We were able to use facts and figures provide by the company, forming part of its global green policy statement, to get across some of the key messages. We were also able to encourage staff to undertake ‘green’ projects in the workplace, which resulted in direct cost, energy and material savings.
