NASHVILLE — Bridgestone Retail Operations is partnering with the Army Career Skills and Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge programs to launch a military fellowship program that will provide automotive technician training for veterans as they transition to civilian life.
The program will be piloted at two Firestone Complete Auto Care stores near Fort Campbell, Ky., as participating veterans will receive up to 180 days of training while they continue to receive military pay and benefits.
Marko Ibrahim, president, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said the company is committed to provided veterans "new pathways for success. Not only do service members possess values like leadership, accountability and teamwork, they also bring unique technical skills that are highly transferable to the automotive industry."
Bridgestone Retail, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Inc., is among several organizations who are partnering with the DOD SkillBridge program to help service members gain civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service.
Bridgestone's Military Fellowship Program is part of the Army Career Skills Program, which encourages soldiers to capitalize on training and development opportunities throughout their military careers.
Bridgestone Americas, through its BSRO business unit, operates 2,200-plus retail tire and auto service outlets throughout the U.S. under the Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Among them are 40-plus on military bases under teh Army & Air Force Exchange Service system.
