Tructyre: driving up safety with technician training
Tyre servicing specialist Tructyre has emphasised the vital role that highly trained, skilled technicians play in maintaining the safety, reliability and efficiency of HGV fleets across Britain.
“Their expertise directly impacts road safety and business operations by ensuring vehicles meet stringent safety standards, thereby minimising accident risks from vehicle tyre failure and reducing costly downtime,” said Claire Howells, HR director at Tructyre and ATS Euromaster.
“At Tructyre, we go above and beyond national standards. Our unique, in-house training program, developed by heavy vehicle technical training specialists, ensures our HGV technicians are exceptionally skilled.”
Before working unsupervised, Claire explains, technicians are required to successfully complete their End Point Assessment. This covers Tructyre’s in-house safe systems of work which comprises the processes required to complete a wide range of tyre services.
“As a result, the technician achieves formal certification having successfully completed our IMI accredited Truck Tyre Fitting and Tyre Management, and Tructyre Roadside Breakdown training programmes,” she continued.
“Additionally, for all Tructyre technicians to work roadside, they are required to hold a REACT (Roadside Emergency Action Concerning Technicians) card.
“We, along with our competitors, apply for this through the NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association), which supports the completion of essential training programmes.”
Depending on their employment and development paths, Tructyre technicians also undergo ongoing competency assessments at various intervals to foster further development and monitor compliance with the company’s ‘Life Saving Rules’.
“Through the extensive knowledge of our technical training team, Tructyre can transform an individual with no prior experience into a fully qualified truck fitter, capable of performing roadside work, within six months,” said Claire.
The comprehensive training covers Tructyre’s safety culture and all essential operational processes, including tyre fitting – whether roadside or on customers’ sites – vehicle jacking and wheel removal, safe wheel inflation, tyre repair and regrooving, and manual handling.
“After this initial phase, trainees move to our depots, where they gain supervised experience working on diverse tyre sizes, vehicles, and axles,” Claire explained.
“This hands-on experience builds their skills and confidence for future roadside breakdowns or callouts. Their final assessment for HGV breakdown procedures is conducted on a static truck in a workshop environment.
“We believe in over-preparing our technicians to ensure they work safely in every inspection and call-out scenario. Their safety, and the safety of those around them, is paramount.
“That’s why our training programme heavily emphasises individual safety, Tructyre’s culture of safety, and rigorous driver assessments. This approach better equips our technicians to maintain the safety of their colleagues and customers alike.”
The benefits of such in-depth training are clear, Claire contends: the company has seen an increase in employee engagement rates and a decline in labour turnover. This means more highly trained Tructyre technicians are on the road than ever before.
“With all these responsibilities, retaining skilled talent is imperative,” she said.
“While many in the industry face recruitment and retention challenges in the current climate, our commitment to comprehensive training demonstrates the significant difference that investing in people makes.
“We support our technicians through intensive training and beyond, providing continuous support long after their initial qualification. Additionally, we’ve made essential changes to working hours, adjusting shift patterns and on-call arrangements to ensure competitive pay and a working week that aligns with our culture.
“Investing in people strengthens a workforce, and Tructyre technicians truly stand out. By ensuring our team is over-prepared, technically trained and highly valued, we are confident in our ability to effectively support the safety and compliance of Britain’s fleets.
“It is absolutely essential for businesses to invest in their talent, passing on wisdom to the new generation and ensuring we have a nation of highly experienced technicians to keep fleets moving across the UK.”
