For technicians interested in advancing their careers and expanding their skill sets, a bevy of educational resources and training programs are available.
Once you determine the topic and technique you’re interested in learning, educational options can include everything from training schools and manufacturer workshops to association technical programs and certification courses.
Here are a few of the more common options:
Tire Industry Association (TIA) –- TIA is known for its tire service training. It offers coursework on a number of different tire-service applications (including earthmover, industrial, farm, automotive and commercial plus TPMS), as well as more advanced training where industry professionals can earn both basic and advanced certification and instructor credentials in automotive and commercial tire service. https://tireindustry.org
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) –- The blue seal of ASE certification is among the most recognizable credentials in the auto service industry. Interestingly, the purpose of the ASE is to test, confirm and certify a person’s knowledge of a specific subject matter, not necessarily to train people. Training is up to the individual, guided by workbooks to help prepare for the test. ASE does not certify a shop -- only the shop’s employees. And only experienced professionals can qualify for certification (two years on the job, or one year working in addition to a two-year degree in auto service). https://ase.com
Distributors –- Some tire and parts distributors offer training programs and workshops on specific topics to support their customers. From sales and insurance, to marketing and bay productivity, many regional distributors have training and teams in place to support the needs of the customers they serve.
Tire makers and equipment manufacturers -– A high-value resource for training is made available through leading tire manufacturers and shop equipment manufacturers. In many cases, the training topics extend beyond their products. For most, it is a long-tail investment in their partner retailers that pays off over time. Tire makers understand that the better the employees, the stronger the shop -- and the stronger the shop, the more likely that shop will grow its business.
Other resources –- Technicians and managers are surrounded by opportunities to learn. From association meetings to local chamber of commerce workshops to videos on YouTube, the resources have never been more available to get the information you need to advance your know-how and career. It starts with the decision to do so and taking the initiative to assemble the training options that work best for you and your budget, needs and schedule.