People & Careers

Kwik Fit Northern Ireland relaunches apprenticeship programme after two-decade hiatus

Published:

November 28, 2025

Author:

James Lockwood

The automotive aftermarket giant welcomes its first cohort of trainees in almost 20 years, marking a significant investment in developing the next generation of technicians. | Image: Neil Kirkpatrick, Regional manager for Kwik-Fit.

Kwik Fit has officially launched its Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Programme 2025, bringing apprentice training back to the region for the first time in nearly two decades.

The programme represents what the company describes as "a truly landmark moment" for both the business and the wider tyre industry in Northern Ireland, with senior management emphasising the personal significance of nurturing the next generation of automotive technicians.

Speaking about the initiative, Kwik Fit management highlighted the diverse career pathways available to the new apprentices,



noting that the industry has seen talented individuals progress from entry-level tyre technician roles through to centre management, regional leadership positions and beyond.

Early progress impresses industry leaders

Just two weeks into their training, the apprentices had the opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired skills to Ian Andrew, chief executive of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA). The visit provided an early indication of the programme's effectiveness, with the apprentices' confidence and technical ability drawing praise.

The training programme has been developed in partnership with ETEL Training department, with trainers Ross Drakeford and Dasos Michaelides delivering the technical instruction. Kwik Fit's recruitment team, including Megan Putnam, also played a key role in assembling the inaugural cohort.

Investment in future talent

Commenting on the programme's launch, Kwik Fit management stressed that investing in apprenticeships extends beyond business advantages. "Investing in

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