NISSAN’s newest apprentices have been given a one-of-a-kind perspective of everything Sunderland has to offer, thanks to a unique team building experience.
The latest cohort of young people working for the car manufacturers Sunderland Plant recently had a week away from their formal training – and found themselves involved in a whole host of creative and practical challenges.
And the success of the initiative – which was developed by Sunderland’s BIDs – is also down to the support of 20 businesses and organisations from around the city who helped with the programme.
For the second consecutive year, Nissan has partnered with Sunderland’s BIDs to deliver a week of team-building experiences for its newest apprentices, with the ambition of creating something memorable while showcasing how much the city has to offer.
Called Connected Thinking, the young people were split into four competing teams, with each one encouraged to experience Sunderland in a completely different way.
The programme included everything from esports at the National Esports Performance Campus, creative challenges at the Art Cafe to woodworking and campfire activities at Let Your Soul Grow and land and water-based adventures at Adventure Sunderland.
On the final day the teams headed to Culture House where they each paired with a creative to help tell the story of the week through a number of different mediums, which included a rap, a documentary film, animation and drama.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland’s BIDs which includes the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID said the experience had been invaluable for everyone
"It's a fantastic example of the strength of our local business community and the opportunities we can create when we connect businesses, people, and ideas,” she said.
“Alongside developing confidence, communication, creativity and teamwork, the programme introduced Nissan's next generation of talent to a different side of Sunderland, showcasing the city's businesses, cultural spaces, community organisations and incredible range of experiences.”
Lee Watson, Production Director at Nissan added that: “Our apprentices absolutely embraced the spirit of the week.
“They tackled every challenge with energy, creativity and a great sense of humour, while building confidence, strengthening relationships and discovering a whole new side of Sunderland.
“Thanks to Sunderland’s BIDs team for developing such a brilliant week.”
Highlights of the week can be seen at https://youtu.be/X6lIKd1Gweo?si=BDTCUi6pS8RcwLF8
Anyone interested in finding ways they can collaborate with Sunderland’s BIDs should email [email protected]