Bridgestone ‘tyre toolbags’ support National Tyres apprentices

Bridgestone is supplying National Tyres’ next generation of automotive apprentices with “tyre toolbags” for a second successive year. The manufacturer says it was keen to support the vocational offering by way of a branded holdall for each learner for another year, containing a wide range of equipment to assist in both the classroom and in-branch, after first hearing about National’s pioneering NVQ level 2 training courses in 2013.

National’s group training and development manager, Graham Atkinson said: “Bridgestone’s support means a great deal to us. It really gives our apprentice programme a boost from the moment the technicians arrive with us. The tyre bags contain many of the tools that will be essential for our new apprentices including Bridgestone branded merchandise, stationery and extensive product and technical information. They are ideal for the apprentices and add yet another layer to National’s all-round training provision, which is already reaping rewards across the network.”

Atkinson said that National’s investment has already paid dividends, with many apprentices progressing into branch management across the UK. Some have made the move into operational management roles. Eighteen apprentices receive vocational training for two years, before qualifying and taking up a permanent position at one of National’s 225 branches across the UK.

Atkinson added: “At National we recognise the importance of developing our own staff and providing comprehensive training to those who are new to the industry. With our apprentices, we always see an extremely strong work ethic coupled with tremendous enthusiasm to learn. They represent the future and we can’t stress highly enough how important our apprentice programme is for the business as a whole.”

Bridgestone’s training development manager Mark Fereday said: “We offered our support to National last year with a similar arrangement and were only too keen to do likewise this year when National’s new intake was confirmed. Their courses are extremely thorough and play a significant role in the future of the tyre trade. The bags we have provided are ideal as a starting point for their new recruits as they make their way into the industry. The idea is to give them something that has longevity and can be used for many months and years after they earn their qualifications.

“The feedback from last year was really encouraging. It is lovely to be associated with youngsters like this, who will hopefully go on to forge lasting careers in the industry, with a strong affinity for the Bridgestone brand as a result.”