Nissan turns to AITT to provide training

When Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK) decided to review its training provision for operators of a wide range of workplace transport and materials handling equipment, its mission was simple: to identify the best in the sector. GTC Training Controller Craig Smith led the process, who set up a series of meetings with various bodies before concluding that AITT stood out from the rest. At its Sunderland site, NMUK employs some 6,000 people to manufacture the Nissan Qashqai and Juke.

Its in-house facility delivers workplace operative training, where 2 Cat-4 tutors and 32 instructors are responsible for 1,012 forklift truck drivers, 274 MEWP operators, and 1,210 tow tractor operators. “We switched to AITT for several reasons,” continues Mr Smith. “Foremost was the top-level support and an immediate readiness to help; everyone at AITT is very professional and always ready to assist. “I was particularly impressed by its policy of using Training Standards Advisors (TSAs) to monitor instructor courses to maintain standards and improve delivery techniques.

The AITT training materials are well set out and easy to read, making them much better than those supplied by our previous provider… and very good value.” The partnership with AITT has already shown tangible benefits. “We’ve taken advantage of its Technical Helpline, which is on hand to give instant support whenever we need it so there are no lengthy delays in resolving issues,” Mr Smith noted. Summing up his overall impressions, Mr Smith concluded, “Working with a leading accrediting body like AITT is crucial for maintaining our company’s highest possible training standards.

Our operators must pass their practical test with fewer than 20 penalty points — which is far more stringent than the permissible failure/referral level of 40 penalty points.  It’s good to know that our relationship with AITT will enable us to maintain those high standards.

“We were looking for the best possible employee training and found it with AITT.”