The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme was launched to the industry on 15th June 2005. Today, ATA celebrates it’s fifth birthday. The scheme, which is the UK’s only national, voluntary accreditation scheme for vehicle technicians, began with 500 registered individuals but now over 23,000 individuals have achieved the standard.
ATA proves a technician’s competence, giving reassurance to customers as well as raising the professional status and credibility of skilled individuals and their businesses.
Steve Scofield, Head of the Accreditation Academy said ‘Back in 2005, the only route offered was that of Light Vehicle technician, but now increased industry demand for accredited personnel means there are now 11 routes across the sector from Air-Conditioning to Vehicle Damage Assessor’.
ATA fits various standards across the industry including accident repair – PAS125 and as ATA accreditation lasts for five years, the IMI is starting to see the first cycle of re-accreditation.
The IMI is dedicated to making UK motorists aware of ATA as the universal standard of competence to look for within the motor industry and we are working hard to build consumer awareness of ATA registered individuals and those who employ them.
Following a recent survey of ATA registered individuals and their employers; positive feedback about the scheme was received:
‘I am very pleased to have been recognised as an ATA accredited parts advisor, completing the assessment has given me more confidence when speaking to customers’
‘Without doubt the ATA accreditation has improved customer confidence in the work we carry out. We try to promote the achievement as much as possible’.
‘When recruiting for a new technician I would prefer to employ someone who is ATA accredited. I feel the ATA standard will form part of my recruitment process in the future.’
‘ATA gives self-confidence which breeds further ability which means happy staff. Happy staff mean good service and good service means a happy customer – happy customers mean a good business’.
The IMI would like to share celebration and thanks with all those across the industry who have helped to develop, maintain and promote ATA over the past five years.
Full details of Automotive Technician Accreditation are available on the website www.automotivetechnician.org.uk