Two Irish Tyre fitters have graduated from Michelin’s Auto Professional ‘Advanced Tyre Academy’ training course at the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Irmantas Norvilas from Discount Tyres in Blanchardstown and Andy Cummins from A One Tyres, Dromore, Banbridge Road, Dromore, Co. Down both Michelin Certified Centres, were two of four technicians from the UK and Ireland to be selected for the second stage of the Tyre Academy programme. Both had completed the previous course curriculum, which featured classroom and workshop-based training at Michelin’s dedicated training centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

At the Advanced Tyre Academy, Irmantas and Andy received training in leadership, effective communication, sales management techniques, implementing in-house education plans and performance reviews for dealership staff.

“It’s great to have a big company like Michelin at your side, pushing you to constantly improve and refine your knowledge and customer service skills. The first Tyre Academy gave me a good grounding, so I was keen to continue the course this year,” Andy said.