Ian Green, Section Manager for NMUK Process & Technical Training, GTC – UK and Nissan Skills Foundation
I have worked for Nissan for 30 years and currently oversee all training from supervisory development through to specialist engineering and maintenance provision.
The Global training centre covers basic and advanced manufacturing and supervisory skills for Africa, India and Europe. I was responsible for the training of all staff during setup and launch of new car plants in St Petersburg Russia and Chennai India.
II am proudly responsible for the Nissan Skills Foundation and has worked with over 64,000 students and 360 schools which was established to:
- Raise interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary schools
- Raise the aspirations of local youngsters to show that social issues, economic background and gender are not barriers to a potential career in engineering/manufacturing
- Engage with the broader community in the North East of England
I am passionate about apprenticeships as a gateway into the world of work.
In 1983 I started as an Apprentice Machine Shop Technician in a pilot program where, for the first time, the apprenticeship was linked to the achievement of academic qualifications, which in my case was Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering with a production bias. This was my introduction to a career in the world of advanced manufacturing and I have worked in various roles within the sector over a long career. I’m passionate in promoting career opportunities within the sector and not just focusing on jobs.
I believe in encouraging people to further their academic studies. I hold an MSC in Human Resources, and I’ve almost completed a Doctorate with Sunderland University. I am actively involved in promoting education and skills for Nissan at both a regional level and national level. This was recognised in 2018 when I was picked as a top 20 Exemplar in the Manufacturing magazine’s Top100 for my work with schools. I also won the 2017 community champion award for Manufacturing Management Magazine and the inaugural winner of the Prince of Wales Industrial Cadets Changemaker Award.
I have worked in school governance for over 18 years as I wanted to take an active role in my sons’ education, but carried this on beyond him leaving the school. I want young people to have the best possible chances and help schools achieve this.
