Bridgestone India Empowers Women in Manufacturing with Enrolment of 93 Apprentices

By: WE Staff | Friday, 1 September 2023

As part of its commitment to fostering gender equality and contributing to India's manufacturing growth, Bridgestone India has taken a significant step by enrolling 93 women apprentices in its manufacturing operations located in Pune. This move comes as a part of an upskilling initiative that aims to empower women and enhance their participation in the manufacturing sector.

The apprentices are undergoing training to perform various tasks on the shopfloor, including operating machines and working in the Quality Assurance department. This initiative is in alignment with the Government of India's National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, which focuses on providing skill development opportunities to individuals and bridging the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities.

Highlighting its dedication to creating an inclusive work environment, Bridgestone India has implemented several measures to support women apprentices. These include the provision of a full-time female doctor, deployment of female security guards, and the availability of crèche facilities. Furthermore, the company ensures that women working late shifts are provided with a separate transport facility, ensuring their safety and convenience.

Apruv Choubey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bridgestone India, expressed the company's commitment to gender equality and its recognition of the crucial role women can play in India's industrial landscape. He emphasized that a skilled women workforce could significantly contribute to India's ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub. Bridgestone India's efforts to onboard a substantial number of women apprentices reflect its dedication to this cause.

The significance of this initiative is underscored by Bridgestone India's endorsement of the Women's Empowerment Principles, a collaborative effort by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to promote gender equality in workplaces. By enrolling women apprentices in large numbers and providing them with the necessary support and resources, Bridgestone India is not only aligning with global principles but also driving tangible change within its industry.

This endeavor marks a significant milestone for Bridgestone India, as it is the first time the company has inducted such a substantial number of women apprentices. Currently, the company has a total of 517 apprentices working under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme across its manufacturing plants in Pune and Indore.

By empowering women through skill development and hands-on training, Bridgestone India is contributing to the growth and diversification of the manufacturing sector while paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce. This initiative serves as a beacon of progress in India's industrial landscape and showcases the positive impact that organizations can achieve through commitment to gender equality and empowerment.