Tennessee students are getting a hands-on look at what it’s like to work for Nissan.¶
The automobile manufacturer is partnering with the workforce initiative Be Pro Be Proud, which brings immersive mobile workshops directly to high schools and middle schools.¶
The mobile workshops are held in trailers equipped with trade simulators in welding, diesel technology, truck driving, construction, and advanced manufacturing. They teach students about skilled trades and career exploration after graduation.¶
Executive Director of the Nissan Foundation Ali Tonn said this hands-on experience can show students interests or opportunities they didn’t know they had.¶
“The more that kids have access to these experiences, the more informed they are about the huge universe of possibilities that are going to give them excitement in the workforce,” Tonn said.¶
How the Initiative Works
Be Pro Be Proud is an initiative led by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce that partners with corporations like Nissan.¶
Each mobile workshop utilizes both Be Pro Be Proud staff members and a small group of students at the school who have already received training. These students help host the trailer, teach other students how the simulators work, and engage in the stationed activities at the school.¶
Tonn said this way students can coach others on the simulators, making them “empowered with knowledge and leadership skills.”¶
The mobile workshop can be at the school for one day or multiple days, depending on the number of students that go through a rotation in and out of the trailer.¶
‘Video Game’ Experience
Each simulator is similar to a video game, allowing students to demonstrate and test their skills, according to Tonn. Many of the modules are brought to life through hands-on virtual reality.¶
For example, students can help repair a power line in the VR simulator, play checkers with a robot, drive a VR semi-truck or tractor, practice welding, and more.¶
Representatives from companies such as Nissan also visit participating schools so students can discuss career options and opportunities with trained industry professionals. Tonn said Nissan will typically bring one of its cars and have its engineers explain their contributions and expertise to students.¶
“We can engage in conversations about advanced manufacturing, what we do at Nissan,” Tonn said. “We can have very specific conversations that kind of take that module experience into a real-life application.”¶
Tonn said career exploration is most impactful when it happens early. Bringing something visual and interactive ignites curiosity and may spark interest in the workforce, she said.¶
With the 2026-2027 school year underway in Tennessee, Tonn said Be Pro Be Proud has already made stops at schools. The mobile workshop will be visiting the Tennessee State Fair through August 17, and has plans to visit Lavergne High School at the end of this month, and Tullahoma High School beginning in September.¶
Nissan identifies potential schools near its operations centers to visit about 4 times a year. Schools looking to book a tour stop can do so through Be Pro Be Proud’s website.¶
“This experience can really affirm a path for a student,” Tonn said. “The sooner we can get in front of students, the sooner we can help them make these decisions about their future.”¶
