Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers Conclude 45 days training under Bridgestone India aegis

Bridgestone India in conjunction with Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR) Pune concluded the 13th residential programme to train Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers. Mr. Ajay Sevekari –Member of the Board of Directors joined the ceremony on Bridgestone India's behalf. The 45 day, fully sponsored training by Bridgestone India, is called Sarthi. Sarthi is focused on giving better employment opportunities to drivers, enhancing their driving as well as soft skills and also educating them about safe driving practices while on the road. The program includes classroom and on track trainings, experience simulators and is designed to enhance driving skills and technical orientation. The program also coaches on first aid, road safety, meditation, financial literacy, and HIV/AIDS awareness. As of date Sarthi has trained over 308 drivers.

"India produced one million commercial vehicles in 2018-19. There is a growing demand for trained drivers who not only have proper driving skills but also the right attitude, while operating heavy vehicles on the highways. Through this initiative, we are able to create skilled workforce which will bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled drivers and enable safer mobility on Indian roads. This is 'Our Way to Serve' our people and communities. We are glad to have a dedicated partner like Institute of Driver Training & Research working with us to contribute on this front". - Mr. Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

The training also includes two days session on tire maintenance and safety at Bridgestone India Chakan campus, facilitated by subject expert employee volunteers of the company. Most of the successful trainees have been placed with renowned fleet owners and also with MSRTC.

This training program is fast gaining popularity amongst rural youth from some of the most underserved and distant areas. Initially, most of the enrolments were from Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, however, the recent batches have enrolments from UP and Rajasthan.

Congratulating the trainees Mr. Mukund Deo, Secretary IDTR said "I am totally convinced, going by the records of skills developed and jobs provided to the needy that this CSR project has 100% acted consistent with the aim with which the government made this provision for corporates. This is really a great achievement, because, generally there is initial enthusiasm while starting any new project but it diminishes over a period of time, however, this partnership has been steady and consistent, Bridgestone and IDTR remain committed to work together in this partnership and increase our outreach."