The Tire Industry Association introduced an all-new certified Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) training program during its OTR Tire Conference in Tucson, Ariz.

The program will follow the same “train the trainer” model that has been successfully used in its commercial tire service (CTS) and automotive programs, according to Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training at TIA. Designed for instructors and technicians, the program will be taught by TIA staff and industry professionals and the classes will consist of extensive hands-on demonstrations and a written examination, he said. Additionally, the new ETS program have two levels of certifications: a “Type 51” for handling tires up to 51 inches in wheel diameter and a “Type 63” for handling everything larger.

The certified ETS program will have minimum qualifications for both the certified instructor and technician courses. Part of the program’s prerequisites is the basic/certified CTS class and the basic ETS class. If the CTS course is completed, attendees will not have to complete the OSHA training part of the certified ETS class, Rohlwing shared.

Classroom content will include tire, wheel and component out of service requirements, ballast remove and install, as well as TPMS identification and service. TIA is also exploring on-going education opportunities associated with the certification, Rohlwing said.

The certified ETS course is set to roll out late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter this year.