What our current Apprentices say

Daniel HolyOake

Wimbledon

When I first started with National Tyres and Autocare I was quite nervous and didn't know what to expect, but I was soon made welcome by all the staff.

On my first week I went on an induction course at Gloucester Training Centre with five other apprentices. We had to stay in a hotel for five days. The induction course welcomed us to the company and we were taught the basics of tyre fitting.

When we were on the induction course we were given our Portfolio, which we would have to complete throughout our apprenticeship.

Since my induction, I have been on many courses and have been improving. I also feel I can do more within my branch.

Since working in the branch, I now feel I am a competent tyre fitter, I can also carry out wheel alignment and puncture repairs, without supervision. My next challenge will be fault diagnostics and fitting of brake parts. All my work colleagues have helped me in my apprenticeship and continue to do so everyday. I really enjoy working for NTA and look forward to a long and rewarding career.

D HolyOake

 

Lauren Goodwin

Newton Abbott

I first heard about National Tyres Apprenticeship scheme when I enquired a two day a week work placement for my college course.

I started my placement in August 2005. As my placement was coming to an end Mike the manager left and Stuart became manager. Stuart believed I could do the job as I progressed quickly and got on well with the team. He then enquired for me about the apprenticeship.

Once my college course ended in June 2006, I had to wait to hear back about a permanent position at National. I was interviewed in early July, and the same day I got a phone call saying that I had been accepted to join the Apprenticeship scheme.

I went away for my first course (Introduction and Tyres), the following week at Gloucester Training Centre. Everyone on the course got on straight away. It wasn't too bad going away a lot because we all got on well.

Everyone in my branch has helped me a lot through my course, whether it was to do with my portfolio, in the garage, anything. If I needed assistance they would help me as much as they could, and still do now.

I am very grateful to be working with such a good team and I am thankful to them because without them I would not know the things I know and would not have found my Apprenticeship so easy and would probably still be struggling with it now.

L Goodwin