Bridgestone honors top students preparing for careers in the automotive service industry

Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Retail Operations (Bridgestone), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, announced a three-year extension of their relationship with the Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center while honoring this year’s top students during a special ceremony at Bridgestone Tower.
The program’s top student was offered a part-time position at a local Firestone Complete Auto Care store and received a professional technician toolkit. Seven other students demonstrating a commitment to careers in the automotive service industry also received special awards. Following the ceremony, students and their families were invited to engage with Bridgestone teammates during a career fair and mentorship breakout groups and enjoy a luncheon overlooking downtown Nashville.
“As a company with a strong focus on innovation, we recognize the importance of developing a skilled workforce that can help drive the future of our industry,” said Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations. “We are so proud of these dedicated students who truly represent the next generation of automotive service, and we look forward to providing more young people with access to quality education and training for years to come.”
“Thanks to Bridgestone, our students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and training, which will prepare them for success in the future,” said Twjuana “TJ” Williams, Instructor, Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center. “We look forward to continuing this important relationship and seeing the great things these students achieve.”
The Automotive Training Center at the Maplewood Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation was developed in 2015 by Bridgestone and Metro Nashville Public Schools in response to a nationwide shortage of automotive technicians. The four-year program utilizes an onsite, fully functioning Firestone Complete Auto Care store and gives students the opportunity to interact with customers and practice the skills they’ve learned in the classroom. More than 145 seniors have graduated from the program, and 49 students have accepted positions working at Nashville-area Firestone Complete Auto Care stores.
Bridgestone’s support of the Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. This program aligns with the company’s “Empowerment” and “Emotion” commitments.