Automotive Technician Accreditation

Motorcycle ATA gets into gear

More than 120 motorcycle technicians have now achieved accredited status within the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme for motorcycles, which was officially unveiled at the end of February 2007.

The scheme, the first of its kind to recognise proven technical current competence, was developed by the leading manufacturers, in association with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association for the motor industry, which governs the scheme and the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).

As well as testing the ‘hands on’ practical skills of technicians in areas such as brakes, chassis and engine, ATA also assesses theoretical knowledge to ensure all-round current competence. A voluntary initiative, ATA is underpinned by an ethical code of conduct, which accredited technicians must sign prior to being issued with their photo identity card.

To maintain their skills, technicians are required to renew their accreditation every five years, either at an IMI approved assessment centre or as part of an approved manufacturer training programme. Independently monitored by the IMI, the scheme consists of three levels of accreditation:

• Service Maintenance Technician
• Diagnostic Technician
• Master Technician

At an event held at the IMI to recognise the industry’s participation in launching the ATA scheme, a number of technicians were presented with their ATA cards by Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive (see photo).

Alan Mackrill, IMI’s Director of Learning and Skills and himself a keen motorcyclist, said:
“Today’s machines demand the utmost technical proficiency and the launch of ATA for the motorcycle industry will bring continued reassurance to thousands of riders that their bike or scooter is in safe and reliable hands.”
        
Geoff Sherley, chief executive, MCIA, who spoke at the event, said: “The MCIA is backing this groundbreaking initiative to recognise the skills of motorcycle technicians and raise standards of servicing and repair. We look forward to seeing ATA grow and for consumers to be offered a service that is delivered by skilled and recognised professionals.”

Organisations involved in the ATA Motorcycle scheme are:

BMW
EP Barrus
Harley-Davidson
Honda
Kawasaki
Piaggio
Pizza Hut Fleet Support
Suzuki
Yamaha

Independent ATA Motorcycle approved centres:

Highbury College, Portsmouth
Merton College, London
North East Institute, Belfast
Waltham Forest College, Essex
Wirral Metropolitan College, Liverpool

Ends

Note to Editors:

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor industry and is the leading awarding body of vocational qualifications in the automotive sector. With 25,000 members and nearly 50,000 registered students at 400 approved assessment centres, the IMI is focused on improving professional standards through the recognition, qualification and development of individuals. The IMI governs the industry’s Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) initiative. For further details about the IMI, click here www.motor.org.uk