256% growth in advanced manufacturing enrollment

Challenge

Students often choose career paths without exposure or understanding of their natural strengths. Employers struggle to build reliable talent pipelines as entire industries remain invisible to students.

As experienced workers retire and technologies evolve, advanced manufacturing companies must build awareness and readiness much earlier. At the same time, students are expected to make career decisions without the exposure or language needed to guide those choices.

Solution

Nissan integrated YouScience Aptitude and Career Discovery into its workforce strategy to help students understand their natural strengths and connect them to real career opportunities earlier.

Students complete aptitude discovery early, gaining the language and insight needed to explore careers aligned to how they are wired. These insights are then used to match students to work-based learning placements where they are most likely to thrive, increasing both relevance and engagement.

To make industries more visible and build earlier workforce readiness, Nissan launched Centers of Excellence—bringing together high schools, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and manufacturing experts to deliver hands-on advanced manufacturing programs. Experienced professionals teach directly in classrooms, giving students direct exposure to careers while helping employers build a more reliable, early-stage talent pipeline.

Results

• Stronger work-based learning outcomes: 100% completion rate for work-based learning students placed using aptitude insights at one Nissan plant
• Increased pathway enrollment: Advanced manufacturing enrollment grew 256% in one district
• Improved student confidence, direction and pipeline impact: Students reported higher satisfaction and remained in roles aligned to their strengths. Many returned to work with Nissan after graduation, strengthening the talent pipeline

“At Nissan, we understand that success begins with the right fit. A candidate who not only shows natural aptitude for the role but also holds a YouScience certificate validating their job-specific skills brings the best of both worlds: potential and proof. That combination shortens onboarding time, increases confidence in hiring, and lays a solid foundation for long-term growth.”

—Joy Rich, Manager, Workforce Development and Community Relationships,
Nissan North America (Tennessee)