REACT exceeds 9000, expands into Republic of Ireland

The NTDA has now issued more than 9000 REACT licences to commercial tyre technicians assessed as competent to work safely at the roadside across the UK. The need for such a system is clear. Prior to the introduction of REACT in 2011, some technicians were seriously injured and others killed while working at the roadside.

REACT training is available through a network of NTDA-approved training providers which includes a number of leading international tyre manufacturers as well as independent training providers and in-company trainers. Currently, the association receives, on average, 40 REACT licence applications per week.

Recently, the NTDA’s sister organisation (the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA)) launched REACT in the Republic. 10 commercial tyre technicians successfully completed the course and were issued with their jointly branded NTDA/ITIA certificates and licences.

Commenting on the success of REACT to date the NTDA’s Stefan Hay said: “We hit the 9000 licences issued figure and rapidly exceeded it. The really great news is that this means more than 9000 of our hardworking technicians will feel safer, and be safer, when working roadside. Having our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland also adopt the scheme is also excellent news and we anticipate that we will see a lot more applications from Ireland arriving very soon. Our many licences within the Tyre Technician Professional Development Scheme are in demand and to complement the success of REACT we have also issued, for example, more than 2000 commercial tyre technician licences (LCTT).  In an environment of major skills shortages across the trade, it is good to know that so many companies continue to invest in both the safety and professional development of their employees.”