Bridgestone India's 13th CV driver training program concludes

Bridgestone India in conjunction with the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR) Pune concluded the 13th residential programme to train heavy motor vehicle (commercial vehicle) drivers.

The residential program called Sarthi is conducted for a duration of 45 days and is fully sponsored training by Bridgestone India. The Sarthi initiative focuses 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 participants on first aid, road safety, meditation, financial literacy, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Bridgestone India says as of date Sarthi has trained over 308 drivers.

Parag Satpute, MD, Bridgestone India said, “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.”

In addition to the training, the program includes a two-day session on tyre maintenance and safety at the Bridgestone India Chakan campus, facilitated by subject expert employee volunteers of the company. Most of the successful trainees have been placed with reputed fleet owners and also with Maharashtra State Road Transport (MSRTC).

The company says the 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, 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.”