Bridgestone continues support for National Tyres’ apprenticeship scheme

In order to back “some of the most promising automotive apprentices” making their way into the fast fit industry, Bridgestone is lending its support to National Tyres for a fourth consecutive year by providing a number of ‘tyre toolbags’ designed to help apprentices with their career adventures.

The tyre maker considers National’s apprentice scheme to be one of the most impressive in the automotive industry, and as evidence points to the Institute of Motor Industry’s recent crowning of Connor Bide as its Fast Fit Apprentice of the Year. Bide is a product of an apprenticeship scheme that offers NVQ level 2 training courses and a pathway into further career growth.

Bridgestone was keen to support the vocational offering for another year by offering each learner a branded hold-all containing a wide range of equipment to assist in both the classroom and in-branch. “Bridgestone’s continued support means a great deal to us. The brand is synonymous with premium quality, which adds an element of kudos to our offering,” comments Graham Atkinson, National’s group training and development manager. “Bridgestone’s support certainly sets the apprentices off on the right footing and ensures that the company is one of the first they think about as they progress up the business. 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.”

Eighteen apprentices will receive vocational training for two years before qualifying and taking up a permanent position at one of National’s 233 branches across the UK. A total of 54 apprentices have moved through the ranks to become fully fledged technicians since Bridgestone first began supporting National.

“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,” shares Atkinson.

Bridgestone’s training development manager, Mark Fereday, adds: “We are huge believers in developing young talent at Bridgestone, which is why National’s apprentice scheme struck such a chord with us. National are a very close, valued customer of ours and we are always keen to support them in any way we can.

“I have seen National’s courses first hand and I have been extremely impressed,” Fereday continues. “They are extremely thorough and we think it is important to be involved with worthy schemes like these when the opportunity arises.”