We've got the cars – now we need the people to go under the bonnet

Aug 25 2009 By Amy Hunt, The Journal

A NEW generation of electric car mechanics are to be trained in the North East. A state-of the-art college is planned for Wearside as part of efforts to make the region a world leader in low carbon cars.

Gateshead College wants to build the centre, teaching skills in making and maintaining electric cars.

It has applied to Sunderland City Council to create the Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing, Productivity and Innovation at Nissan’s car plant in Washington.

The plant is seen as another big step towards making the North East a leader in electric vehicle production, with the vital EV batteries already set to be built in Sunderland.

And hopes are high that the Washington plant will be chosen to build Nissan’s new zero-carbon electric model, the Leaf.

Kim Davies, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: "Plans are currently in development and if given the go-ahead this promises to be a very exciting initiative which will be a major asset for the region.

"The centre would provide a training infrastructure for sustainable manufacturing and the low-carbon vehicle industry. It will be a world class learning facility for employers, apprentices and students, providing new skills for new jobs "

Regional development agency One North East, which is providing funding for the project, has welcomed the application, saying the centre will have a major role to play in the UK’s green drive.

Firms across the region will be able to use the training through the centre, which will aim to improve the performance of North East businesses.

Dr Colin Herron, One North East manufacturing and productivity manager, said: "One North East has been actively involved in this exciting new development, and fully supports the application, subject to planning approval.

"This new regional facility will deliver best practice from Nissan and the automotive sector, allow individuals to be trained in the new ‘green collar’ economy and develop new qualifications, harnessing the expertise in this field that Gateshead College has already established.

"It is also a major boost for the North East’s Low Carbon Economic Area, which has already put the region on the global map for ultra-low-carbon vehicle development."