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NEWS
City and Guilds Training for Retreaders: RMA Launch 2013/14 Course
It has long been recognised in the retreading industry that there is a global shortage of suitable
of study, extending from September to May each year.
The course reference book is the RMA’s own publication Retread Process – Workshop Practice, recently
The final examination, consisting of a written examination paper, can be taken either at various locations in the UK or locally, throughout the world, in conjunction with a local technical college or university. The final examination for the 2013/14 course takes place on Wednesday May 7th, 2014.
Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates by the City & Guilds of London Institute, the world renowned examination body.
The City and Guilds Part I course is ideal for retreaders wanting to supplement and increase the knowledge of their workshop staff and managers and is a valuable marketing tool in dealings with customers, proving the knowledge and expertise of employees.
Fees for the course are £469 per candidate, although discounts are
available for
multiple
bookings and
RMA members.
The RMA is
now inviting
applications for
the 2013/14
course. Retreaders wishing to find out more about the course or wishing to enrol for the 2013/14 course starting in September can do so by e-mailing the RMA at rma@greentyres.com or by faxing +44 1270 668801. Deadline for applications is 31 August.
Successful candidates all receive a certificate from the City and Guilds of London Institute. The successful candidates pictured here are UK retreader Vacu-Lug’s 2011 candidates
Candidates can take the examination at various locations in the UK or in their own country at a local university or technical college
training courses for retread workshop operatives. However, one organisation, which does offer a cost-effective solution, is the UK’s Retread Manufacturers Association, which runs a highly acclaimed correspondence course in Retreading Workshop Practice under the auspices of the City and Guilds of London Institute. The City and Guilds Part I course is open to candidates from retread companies on a global basis. Indeed candidates from as far afield as the USA, Taiwan, Malaysia and Turkey have all successfully completed the course in recent years.
The course is correspondence based, with two ‘Mock’ examinations to monitor progress during the periods
written specifically for candidates taking the course, which covers all of the following speciality areas of retreading:- inspections (initial, secondary and final), buffing, repairing, cementing, tread preparation and application, sidewall veneering, matrices, curing, pre-cure retreading, legislation and health & safety.
RMA Appoints Alan Bithell as Co-Director
The Retread Manufacturers Association has announced the appointment of Alan Bithell as Co- Director of the Association. Working alongside current Director David Wilson, Alan will be responsible for Technical Issues, Training and UK Membership. Wilson, who has been Director of the RMA since 2005, will remain as Co-Director and will retain responsibility for Administration, PR & Marketing, Overseas Sales and Used Tyre Issues. Alan Bithell has over 35 years experience in the tyre industry. After leaving school in 1974, he successfully completed a Technical Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyre Company. He has been involved in all aspects of tyre manufacture
including the architecture; drum testing; tyre uniformity, and retreading processes.
Specialising in tyre repair, Alan is currently the chairman of the British Standards steering panel for the tyre repair standard BS AU 159 which will shortly be available for public comment. As an independent business consultant to several blue chip companies Alan networks across many automotive business sectors.
Alan has a long association with the RMA, having been president of the Association in 2001/02. Commenting on his appointment, Alan Bithell said; “This is an exciting opportunity; we look forward to developing the profile of retreading
and providing independent technical support for RMA members. The importance of maximising the full potential of the modern tyre casing via professional retreading and good fleet management has
never been more important.”
Existing Director David Wilson added; “Alan’s appointment demonstrates the RMA’s commitment to continually developing and improving its services. His technical expertise will add a new dimension to the services the Association can offer the retreading
industry both in the UK and overseas. I look forward to working with him”.
The new appointments will become effective on 1st August 2013.
4 Retreading Business