I studied MEng Product Design Engineering at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
I am a graduate Vehicle Engineer working in Trim & Chassis at Nissan Manufacturing Plant (NMUK) in Sunderland. Currently I am responsible for the interior of Juke.
I came across the Nissan Graduate Scheme on Gradcracker! I was excited about the opportunity to work with a global leader in automotive engineering and contribute to manufacturing cutting-edge vehicles. After researching NMUK and the graduate scheme, I was excited by the opportunity to work on a range of exciting new projects alongside highly skilled professionals. This made it the perfect place to start my career.
My degree combined mechanical engineering, industrial design, and human-centred design, which gave me a well-rounded skill set to approach product development from multiple perspectives. The problem-solving skills I developed during my studies help me approach challenges logically and creatively. The hands-on experience I gained through projects, such as testing, technical drawings and working effectively as a team are directly applicable to the tasks I perform daily at Nissan.
Nissan has been incredibly supportive of my development, offering continuous learning opportunities. The training team on-site and the course content have been amazing. I’ve had the chance to attend training sessions and workshops that focus on everything from Behavioural courses like presentation skills to Technical Training, as well as industry-specific tools and techniques. Most recently, I have completed a Process Training course called TRY-Z. An introduction to Gemba Kanri (workshop management) principles in world-class manufacturing. The course simulates a production line and all the related tasks necessary to achieve quality, cost and delivery targets. It allowed me to collaborate with employees from different departments and create the most efficient production line.
Additionally, graduates are assigned mentors that provide encouragement and support development. This is usually someone in your department that can help with your role and onboarding, especially within the first few months. Nissan encourages collaboration across departments, you build a relationship with different engineering departments as well as parts quality, facilities and across production. This has allowed me to grow my expertise in areas beyond my initial focus. Nissan is an excellent place for young engineers to develop and thrive.
Do your research! NMUK is full of fantastic opportunities, Nissan is an industry giant look into Nissan in the UK and the direct projects you could contribute to. My advice would be to showcase your passion for innovation and problem-solving. Most importantly, be open to learning and adapting — Nissan provides a fantastic environment for growth, so having a mindset of curiosity and enthusiasm to take on new challenges will set you up for success.
