Job Description

Special Skills Paint Repair Apprentice - Nissan Sunderland

Accelerate your career as a specialist paint manufacturing operative.




Our Paint function plays a vital role in the vehicle manufacturing process, delivering the final look and finish of every vehicle body. Combining cutting-edge automation with the expertise of our workforce, it's an exciting environment with diverse sections and advanced machinery to help you build your skills.




On this three-year apprenticeship, you'll experience the best of both worlds: first-rate college learning alongside hands-on, real-world experience in our plant. You'll develop the skills needed to become a key member of our Paint function, working on tasks such as applying sealant and anti-corrosion coatings, vehicle and bumper paint spraying, programming advanced robots, quality checking, and refinishing & repairing.

Your Pathway to a Future Career

This isn't just an apprenticeship-it's your opportunity to become a valued member of our team.




You'll collaborate closely with experts in production, engineering, and maintenance, learning from their experience while making real contributions from day one. We treat our apprentices as equals, giving you the chance to develop practical skills and life experience that will shape your career.




It's a challenging, rewarding scheme designed to help you grow as far as you want to go. While shift work is part of the role, we'll support you with training and benefits that reflect your potential.




If you're curious, motivated, and eager to contribute to the future of sustainable mobility, apply now and accelerate your career with a Nissan Manufacturing apprenticeship.




Benefits include: private healthcare, pension scheme, employee discounts, monthly prize draws, and access to our discounted car scheme*




(*Eligible after 6 months' employment)




Starting salary: 17,400.58 per year




Location: Nissan Sunderland plant (SR5 3NS) and local college sites




Hours: 39 per week




Duration: 3 years

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those from socially or economically disadvantaged communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences everyone brings and believe diversity strengthens our workplace.

Accessibility and Adjustments

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process-such as accessible interview formats, extra time, assistive technologies, or workplace adaptations-please let us know. We will work with you to ensure you can participate fully and comfortably. All recruitment materials and assessments can be provided in accessible formats.

Supporting Candidates Facing Economic Disadvantage

We understand that economic circumstances can create barriers to applying for roles. If costs such as travel, technology access, or other practical constraints may prevent you from taking part in our recruitment process, please contact us. Wherever possible, we will offer support-such as virtual interview options, reimbursement of essential travel costs, or alternative assessment arrangements.

What You'll Need

4 GCSEs or equivalent (achieved or predicted):


Mathematics (Grade A-D or 3+)


English Language (Grade A-D or 3+)


Two other subjects (Grade A-D or 3+), one to be a science subject


OR Functional Skills Level 2


A positive, can-do attitude and motivation to learn


Age 16 or over at the start of the apprenticeship


Ability to commute to Nissan Sunderland and local college sites


Eligibility to work in the UK (must have ordinarily resided in the UK & Islands for at least 3 years by Sept 2026)

What You'll Be Doing

Split your time between college learning and practical work in our plant


Work as part of the specialist paint team to apply coatings, spray paint, and program advanced robots


Learn industry-standard tools and techniques, including lean manufacturing principles and Kaizen methodology


Gain hands-on experience with tooling, equipment, and machinery in a technically advanced environment


Contribute to projects ranging from refinishing and repairs to quality checks and process improvements


By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to achieve:





Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Level 3



Performance dependent. All qualifications may be subject to change

Additional Information

We maintain a safe and healthy workplace, which includes pre-employment testing for drugs and alcohol.




Communication about your application will be via email. Please check regularly.




Questions? Contact: apprenticeships@nissan-nmuk.co.uk




Sunderland United Kingdom