Stars of the Future

Bridgestone has kicked off its 2006 First Stop Stars training programme with courses for managers, reception staff, and tyre technicians from dealerships across the UK. The first courses, in Birmingham and Leeds, were part of a series of bespoke training sessions scheduled for this year under the First Stop Stars scheme, Bridgestone’s programme that rewards high-quality tyre outlets and helps individual dealerships improve their standards.

The training sessions, which comprised theoretical and practical elements, were delivered by Bridgestone UK’s Paul Turner and Phil Thirsk, and focussed on car tyre knowledge, health and safety, and basic tyre fitting.

Technical training manager Paul Turner said: “The Stars scheme gives First Stop dealers a chance to assess the service levels they offer their customers and identify any specific training requirements needed for their staff. We can then offer courses to suit most needs.”

Specialist trainers from Bridgestone can attend the delegates’ site and lead training sessions at the individual depot or dealership in order to minimise any expense or inconvenience to the outlet.

“If the dealership does not have the required space or equipment we can often deliver the course at a suitable location within a short distance of the depot,” said Turner. “In many cases we use facilities specifically designed for delivering training, including colleges and learning centres ensuring our courses are delivered in professional surroundings.”

The programme is just one of Bridgestone UK’s initiatives designed to raise standards within the UK tyre trade, and Paul Turner says demand for places on Bridgestone’s training schemes has never been higher.

“It’s tremendously encouraging to know that dealerships are looking to Bridgestone to assist them in the training of their technicians, and we are more than happy to help,” said Turner.

Anyone interesting in Bridgestone’s training schemes, can contact 0808 1800 800 for more information.