Four Irish tyre fitters have assembled in Stoke-on-Trent for the launch of Michelin’s 2016 Tyre Academy course, the aim of which is to further improve their customer service skills.

Keith Darcy, Discount Tyre & Auto Service, (Blanchardstown); Shane Farrell, Errancourt Traders (Carlow); Ryan Mallon, A One Tyres and Andrew Frazer, Carryduff Tyres (both Co. Down) joined a group of 10 fitters selected from dealerships of the Michelin Certified Centre (MCC) network throughout Ireland and the UK.

Combining classroom and workshop-based education at the manufacturer’s UK headquarters, the Tyre Academy module teaches technical knowledge of tyre sidewall markings and construction, the legal issues surrounding tyres and enhanced customer service skills.

Commenting Mark Meagher, Retail Programme Development Manager at Michelin, said: “The stringent audit each dealership must pass to become an MCC ensures that only the best tyre dealerships can display our Michelin Man signage, and with the Tyre Academy course, we can help our dealerships improve their customer service skills even further.”