Jim
Job title
Team Leader, SQ Test
Company and location
Nissan, Sunderland
Industry sector
Automotive
Background
ONC (Ordinary National Certificate) in Engineering
Learned French in lessons after work
Travelled extensively through in Europe through jobCurrently studying for HND in metallurgy
What are your main responsibilities at work?
Supervision of a multi disciplinary team involved in all aspects of parts, materials and sub assembly testing. One of my other main responsibilities is to verify test data from suppliers of safety critical components. Many of these suppliers are from continental Europe and it is sometimes necessary to be able to interpret documents and technical reports to some degree.
How are languages useful?
Nissan is a global company and is supplied by and sells to a global market. It is vital that all sectors of the company communicate effectively and it is therefore necessary that people within the company can speak other languages than their native tongue in order to achieve this. The most important foreign languages are Japanese, French and Spanish. In particular, Nissan has an alliance with Renault and I find it useful to be at least able to introduce myself and ask and answer basic questions when meeting French-speaking people. Although senior or technical staff may very often have good English, in order to get through to them you will often need to talk to non-English speakers first.
What is your past experience of languages?
Before joining Nissan I had no experience of foreign languages or culture. However since joining Nissan I have travelled extensively in Europe and even had a trip to Japan. Through this exposure I have come to understand the need to be able to communicate in other languages.
What skills are necessary in your role?
A good background in practical engineering.
Ongoing education of a science or engineering based nature.
Ability to communicate effectively whether that be in English or in another language.
Any tips?
Try to get to the next level. Having mastered day to day conversations in the languages, I’m working hard to communicate technical subjects. It really makes a difference.