HiQ Tyres & Autocare has taken a significant step in nurturing young automotive talent with its first-ever ‘HiQ Apprentice Day.’ The event, held at the company’s Birmingham headquarters, brought together 18 apprentices aged 16 to 25 from across the UK.
The initiative is part of HiQ’s wider ‘HiQ Academy’ programme, designed to provide specialised training and ensure high service standards across its 190 tyre and autocare centres nationwide. Backed by Goodyear, the event showcased HiQ’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled technicians, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
The apprentices, representing HiQ stores from Southampton, Plymouth, Hull, Ipswich, Maidenhead, Bristol, Lancaster, and Birkenhead, engaged in a series of interactive sessions focusing on key industry topics. These included communication skills, marketing strategies, and product knowledge, all essential elements for a successful career in the automotive sector.
Guest speakers and HiQ representatives—many of whom began their own careers as apprentices—shared their experiences and insights, offering invaluable mentorship to the aspiring technicians. The event provided a unique networking opportunity, allowing apprentices to connect with like-minded peers and learn from industry veterans.
As a well-established network of tyre and autocare centres, HiQ places strong emphasis on maintaining high service standards. Apprentices play a crucial role in upholding this reputation by working alongside experienced professionals, contributing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the business.
Craig Sprigmore, Goodyear Retail Director UK & Ireland, spoke about the significance of the event:
“We were delighted to welcome the young apprentices to our HiQ headquarters in Birmingham for the first-ever HiQ Apprentice Day. The event was overwhelmingly successful, with each young technician gaining new knowledge and showcasing their potential to shape the future.
“Their day-to-day involvement in diagnostics, repairs, and customer service not only supports the daily operations of HiQ centres but also positions the company to continually evolve and adapt to the latest technological advancements in the automotive industry. It’s therefore crucial that we provide these young technicians with an in-depth understanding of how a national network of autocentres like HiQ operates behind the scenes.
“It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm from the apprentices, and we look forward to continuing our support as they progress in their learning and individual careers.”
With the automotive industry facing an ongoing skills shortage, initiatives like the ‘HiQ Apprentice Day’ are vital in attracting and developing new talent. By offering structured learning experiences and hands-on exposure, HiQ is investing in the future of automotive care, ensuring that its workforce remains skilled, knowledgeable, and adaptable.
As the programme evolves, HiQ aims to continue fostering young talent, providing them with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in the automotive sector. This first apprentice day marks the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen industry training and reinforce HiQ’s role as a leader in tyre and autocare services.
The event aimed to inspire and train young engineering talent, equipping them with essential skills, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities within the automotive sector.
Eighteen apprentices aged 16 to 25 from HiQ stores across the UK, including locations such as Southampton, Plymouth, Hull, Ipswich, Maidenhead, Bristol, Lancaster, and Birkenhead.
Sessions focused on key industry aspects such as communication, marketing, and product knowledge, with insights shared by HiQ representatives and industry veterans.
The event is part of the ‘HiQ Academy’ programme, which is designed to uphold high service standards and develop skilled technicians across HiQ’s UK network.
Craig Sprigmore, Goodyear Retail Director UK & Ireland, highlighted the importance of providing apprentices with behind-the-scenes insights into HiQ’s operations and expressed enthusiasm for their future contributions to the industry.
From breaking news to forward-thinking industry trends, our subscriber section keeps you informed, engaged, and ahead of the competition.
