The ContiAcademy, Continental Tyres’ industry-leading in-house training centre for tyre service and maintenance, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. To help celebrate, the team invited journalists to get a taste of what it’s all about.
Since its opening in 2019, the ContiAcademy in Lutterworth has steadily established itself as one of the UK’s premier hubs for commercial tyre training and technician development. Backed by Continental Tyres’ commitment to education and safety, the Academy has evolved into more than just a training facility – it’s now a critical pillar in the industry’s drive towards higher safety standards, enhanced fleet performance, and technical excellence.
On a recent press day, CVW got a rare chance to step inside ContiAcademy and experience its courses first-hand. What became immediately clear is that this isn’t just about learning the theory – it’s aboutapplying it, practising it, and ultimately living it.
Training with real-world impact
The day began with an introduction to the broad spectrum of courses available at the academy, ranging from basic awareness sessions to in-depth technical qualifications. For example, two of the most sought-after programmes – wheel security and driver tyre training – are aimed directly at HGV drivers, helping them maximise tyre lifespan and avoid preventable damage.
But beyond those staples lies a portfolio of advanced, accredited courses, such as the REACT roadside safety licence, the NTDA licensed commercial tyre technician programme, and several IMI-recognised qualifications. One particular highlight is the tyre forensics course, a favourite among professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of tyre failure analysis. Even the DVSA has taken part in this training.
Continental’s educational outreach extends well beyond the classroom. Its technical team regularly hosts webinars, with over 400 customers already benefitting from insights into how tyre performance is evolving in the age of electric mobility.
It’s not just the industry taking notice, either. In 2019, ContiAcademy was shortlisted for staff training and development initiative of the year at the National Tyre Distributors Association Awards, recognising its real-world impact on commercial vehicle safety and maintenance standards.
REACT: Raising the bar on roadside safety
A key part of the day focused on the REACT (roadside emergency action concerning tyres) training – widely regarded as a benchmark for technician safety training. This course was developed in direct response to a spike in roadside technician casualties between 2007 and 2011. Initially launched in 2011 with under 300 licensed technicians, the programme has since seen explosive growth. Relaunched in 2014 with broad industry support, REACT now boasts over 15,500 active licence holders in the UK alone, with an additional 40 in Ireland.
Supported by the Department for Transport, National Highways, and the Traffic Commissioner’s Office, REACT has become an essential credential for anyone working in high-risk roadside environments and with 17 approved training providers across the country, its reach continues to expand.
ContiAcademy’s role in supporting REACT – and the NTDA’s evolving tyre technician professional development scheme (TTPDS) – underscores its leadership in technician development. With the TTPDS set to introduce new qualifications like the licensed specialist tyre technician and the licensed tyre centre manager, the road ahead is clearly paved with progress.
From classroom to curbside
After a deep-dive briefing, we headed into the hands-on portion of the day – an immersive run-through of the REACT roadside safety module. Under the guidance of expert trainers, we covered the essentials: conducting risk assessments, correctly positioning cones, safely approaching vehicles, and operating amber beacons and lighting equipment.
The context behind the training was sobering. Despite ongoing safety campaigns and technological improvements, tyre-related incidents on UK roads resulted in a 29 per cent increase in killed or seriously injured casualties in 2023. In this light, the importance of rigorous, practical training becomes undeniably clear.
Getting our hands dirty
No press day would be complete without getting stuck in – and ContiAcademy didn’t disappoint. We tackled real technician tasks, including removing a HGV wheel nut and regrooving a tyre, which revealed the precision and care needed for jobs many take for granted. There was even a tyre component recognition challenge that caught several seasoned journalists off guard. Tyres, as it turns out, are more complex than they appear.
This practical experience was perhaps the most revealing part of the day. Tyres aren’t just rubber rings – they’re advanced, safety-critical components directly influenced by mechanical wear, driving habits, and fleet management decisions. Understanding how tyre damage correlates with vehicle operation is crucial for reducing downtime and extending tyre life. It’s not dissimilar to diagnosing engine issues – you need to understand the whole system.
More than training
What sets ContiAcademy apart is not just the depth of its training but the vision behind it. It’s about building a safer, more skilled workforce capable of navigating the evolving demands of transport and mobility. Whether it’s addressing the rise of electric vehicles, standardising professional development, or enhancing roadside safety protocols, the Academy is helping to shape the future of the commercial tyre industry.
As the day wrapped up, one thing was clear: ContiAcademy is more than just a training centre – it’s a launchpad for meaningful, measurable change across the tyre and transport sectors. For technicians, fleet operators, and even regulators, it represents a vital resource in a fast-changing world.
