Tire-training Sessions Return To Iowa Facility

Advanced three-day tire-training courses are returning later this spring and summer at the Stellar Industries Inc. facility in Garner, Iowa.

The training is for technicians in the farm tire service and earthmover industries, said a recent news release from the Tire Industry Association, which is organizing the sessions with support from Stellar, AME International, and Tire Life.

Stellar will host classes June 13-15 and July 11-13 for farm tire service training; and Aug. 8-10 and Sept. 12-14 for earthmover tire training.

Students “will learn and demonstrate the proper procedures for using common tools and equipment in the tire and wheel service industry,” the release said. Completion of a TIA basic level course in earthmover tire service and farm tire service is a prerequisite for either of the advanced hands-on classes.

“Nothing replaces hands-on instruction in the farm and earthmover tire service industries, so these classes are a direct response to the demand from our members to provide these unique training classes,” the release quoted Kevin Rohlwing, TIA’s senior vice-president of training. “While classroom instruction and a written examination is necessary in most instances, these classes are not part of a certification or certificate program so all of the focus is on using the tools and equipment safely and correctly. We are fortunate to have members like AME, Stellar, and Tire Life who are willing to host and sponsor these classes.”

Longstanding relationship

This will be the second year that Stellar, a well-known manufacturer of service trucks and service cranes, is hosting the training.

“We have a long standing relationship with the Tire Industry Association and its staff and one of our regional sales managers, Tom Formanek, is the current TIA board of directors chairperson. It just makes sense for both parties for us to host again. We have the perfect set-up of classroom and working space, and perfect contacts in the community to line up equipment to use for the training in addition to our service trucks,” said Donna Popp-Bruesewitz, communications manager for Stellar Industries, via email. “TIA also collaborates with AME for tool packages and cribbing, and with Fuller Brothers for the Tire Life products. We all work very well together.”

In 2016, 16 students attended Stellar’s class in June, while the July class drew attendance of 18, and 10 people took part in the August class, said an email from Christine Hoogenboom, the TIA’s director of training.

“For the 2016 classes, we were at or above capacity for almost every one,” Popp-Bruesewitz said. “The feedback from the attendees was positive and being able to be onsite of where a service truck is manufactured adds a little extra bonus to their investment to furthering their education. They get to see where and how their equipment, or similar equipment, is manufactured in addition to learning how to use it.”

Other courses planned

Hoogenboom said the TIA is also planning a certified earthmover tire service course at Stellar this summer. However, that program wasn’t fully worked out by press time.

AEM International is also hosting an advanced earthmover tire service class April 18-20 at its facility in Brooksville, Fla. A class at the same location took place in January for farm tire service.

Tuition for a course is $495 for one or two attendees. For a company sending three or more students, the rate is discounted to $445 per student. Those who successfully complete the three-day course will receive a certificate of completion.

To register or for more information, email Christine Hoogenboom at choogenboom@tireindustry.org or phone 1-800-876-8372, ext. 106.

More information about the training sessions can also be found on Stellar’s website, www.stellarindustries.com.