FORT MILL, S.C. — Continental Tire the Americas is collaborating with the Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a provider of technical training for those seeking entry-level careers as technicians in the automotive industry.
In addition to becoming the official tire of UTI, Conti will provide tires and curriculum aides to each of UTI's 15 locations across the U.S.
"This partnership will help connect our Continental Tire customers with certified automotive technicians who will fill open automotive service positions throughout the country," said Chris Charity, vice president of sales – U.S. PLT replacement business, Continental Tire.
UTI campuses will receive training aides to help educate students about tire construction and performance criteria. Continental said it will also provide tires and tire racks to each campus to support students' mount and balance training.
In addition to campus assets, Continental said it will provide access to its proprietary Engage360 training modules for both UTI instructors and students, which covers product information, tire basics and sales scenarios for passenger, light truck, crossover, SUV and commercial vehicle tires.
"We are excited about the collaboration and passion Continental Tire brings to this relationship," John Dodson, vice president of business alliances at UTI, said.
"They are a strong brand with a passion for educating tomorrow's technicians. UTI students across the country will have hands-on experience with Continental as they practice tire mounting and balancing. Students will also run Continental tires on our chassis dynos as they compete to make horsepower and torque, as well as a number of other applications."
Continental and its authorized dealers will be able to post job openings on UTI's nationwide job board, available to UTI students and alumni.
This new collaboration between UTI, Continental Tire, and its authorized dealers will provide the benefit of matching UTI graduates with open automotive service positions nationwide, the company said.
Phoenix-based UTI operates 15 campuses located in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas. UTI's campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), while its employer-aligned technical training programs are offered under four brands: Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute/Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute and MIAT College of Technology.
