James Bould - First Year Apprentice

Before I started the Apprenticeship programme with National Tyres and Autocare, I had a basic understanding of most components on a car/small commercial vehicle. This was because I had completed a level one course on motor vehicle maintenance while at school one day a week. I did my day release at National Tyres and Autocare every Monday, however I don't think one day a week is enough to learn a trade.

The Apprenticeship programme is very well structured, by at first working Tuesday to Saturday and having Sunday and Monday off. Also on average every two months I do a five day course in the Liverpool Training Centre, where the staff are just as informative on my progress as my Manager is. Since I've been on the Apprenticeship programme, I have gained a lot more confidence in my work, this is because of all the encouragement I've received from my Manager and the Regional Manager.

In the future I look forward to working my way up to being a Manager or even higher.

Ryan Knox - First Year Apprentice

When I started with National Tyres and Autocare doing my Apprenticeship in July 2010 I had pretty much no knowledge at all about work. I did my first course at Liverpool Training Centre which covered Personnel, Health & Safety and Car/Van tyre knowledge with practical work and it helped me understand the job. On the course it explained everything I needed to know about starting work with National Tyres and Autocare. I came down on the train and stayed in a Hotel. The travel and the hotel were paid for by the Company and it was very nice.

There are five other Apprentices on my course and I get on with them great, we all have a laugh and in the evenings even go to the cinema to see a new film pretty much every time we are down at the Training Centre. We all come down to the Training Centre about every 6-8 weeks to learn a different course, e.g. Tyres, Batteries, Wheel Alignment, Brakes, Exhausts and Suspension. All of the courses have been a great help for me and I am able to put what I have learned into practice when I get back to my Branch.

I work at the Branch with my Manager and Assistant Manager, I get on with them really well and they will always help me when I need any assistance. We all have a portfolio that we are completing as part of the Apprenticeship, I work on completing it with the help of my assessor and the staff in my Branch. I hope when I finish my Apprenticeship, I can work my way up in National Tyres and Autocare, because I enjoy what I do. Hopefully I can become a Branch Manager in the future.

Annmarie Birdsey - Second Year Apprentice

When I started my apprenticeship at National Tyres and Autocare, I had a basic knowledge of fast fit repair and I was eager to learn more. Now I am nearing the end of my apprenticeship, I have a much greater knowledge of fast fit repair and the company.

All of the courses I attended at the training centre were very helpful and have increased my knowledge.

My colleagues within the branch have also been helpful in supporting me to complete my portfolio. I was able to follow up on what I had learned at the training centre and I have continued to gain a greater knowledge of different vehicles.

I am looking forward to continuing to work for the company and to see what the future may bring.