Industry unites to underwrite TIA's lineup of tire training sessions

Twenty-one businesses are onboard with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) as sponsors of the upcoming year’s Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Instructor Training Tour.

The Certified ATS Program is designed to create a network of certified instructors who can then train and certify technicians in the field.

By holding 28 classes in 28 different cities around the country, the association believes the program will be more accessible for retailers of any size, according to Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training.

“The response from the supplier community for the upcoming ATS Instructor Tour has been incredible,” he says.

“With their support, we have the resources – including tools and supplies – that we need to conduct the first-class hands-on training that TIA is known for,” Rohlwing reports. “Retailers who take advantage of this opportunity can take control over their technician training program and make sure that every employee is qualified to service passenger and light truck tires,” he explains.

“We’re honored to help underwrite this historic training tour,” says Bob Hendry of Group 31. “TIA is the first tire association to schedule 28 weeks of instructor training in 28 different cities across the United States, and we just wanted to support this endeavor,” he notes.

“The retail tire dealers who participate will be able to offer professional service from TIA Certified Technicians,” Hendry continues. “We are all competitors, but we’re also aware of the benefits that accompany a qualified workforce,” he says.

“This training,” Hendry points out, “is improving the image of the tire business by promoting safe and proper service procedures for the motoring public, which betters our industry as a whole.”

For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.