Bridgestone has supported staff development and training for people with National Tyres and Autocare.

The tyre and rubber company, for the seventh straight year, is supporting National. The company is providing ‘Tyre toolbags’ to help their apprentices progress their career and its journeys. The 30 month scheme is a new look for the industry.

Its in-house apprentice scheme is one of the most known in the automotive industry and is now recognised by the Department for Education. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) award the qualification.

Bridgestone offered its support with a branded hold-all, which contained a wide range of equipment to help the students in both the classroom and the garage.

Billy Mayley, National’s group training and development manager, said: “Bridgestone’s association with our apprentice scheme continues to be a big coup for us.

“The company is the biggest tyre manufacturer in the world and is synonymous with quality, he said.

“It is not difficult to impress a 16 or 17-year-old when you show them the Bridgestone tyre toolbags, because they all recognise the brand and have an affinity for it. This adds an element of kudos to our offering as a result.

“The industry has struggled with its reputation for many years, but courses like the one Bridgestone is providing is helping to change perceptions.

“But to really change, you need to get the right people in the industry with the right skills. This is where Bridgestone continues to come into its own.”

Also, the pair has also joined forces to upskill National centre managers at certain branches, via a customer service training course.

Furthermore, its training is about understanding motorists’ unique driving habits and what to look out for when they arrive at the counter. Running alongside this is tuition on the merits of each and every tyre in the Bridgestone range.

Mark Fereday, Bridgestone’s training development manager, said: “We are huge believers in developing young talent and empowering existing talent, which is why we work so closely with National, as they share our commitment to the development of people.

"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 Nationals’ courses first hand and I have been extremely impressed. They are extremely thorough and we think it is important to be involved with worthy schemes like these when the opportunity arises.”

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