WHEN Johnathon Potter heard about a course that would help him towards a "lifetime in work", he had no hesitation in enrolling.

The prospect of earning a good wage and working for car manufacturer Nissan, convinced him to embark on a training programme run by the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance (Assa) and Gateshead College.

Now Johnathon, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, has taken up a position with Nissan after completing the training, which aims to secure employment for more than 100 of the region's youngsters.

Johnathon was studying engineering at Gateshead College when he heard about the Assa initiative, which aims to provide essential production line skills and the experience needed by high volume manufacturers and the automotive sector.

He said: "When I learned about the Assa course it seemed to offer a real chance to get the right skills and qualifications needed."

Johnathon is now working in the engine dress department of Nissan's Sunderland plant, where he is putting his new-found skills to the test on a real production line.

Steve Pallas, training and development manager at Nissan, said: "Assa understand the level of expertise required by our staff and the type of environment that they will be working in, so they can develop trainees to meet our needs."

To find our more about the "lifetime in work" initiative, get in touch with assa on freephone 0800 389 8168