National recognition for two-wheeled technicians
Major advances in technology have prompted a collective effort from the motorcycle industry to ensure technicians remain at the cutting edge of technical expertise for the benefit of increasing numbers of motorcyclists.
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) for motorcycles has been developed by the leading manufacturers, in association with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association for the motor industry governing the scheme and the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), which is endorsing the initiative.
An initial pilot group of 100 technicians have achieved accreditation. Testing the ‘hands on’ practical skills of technicians in areas such as brakes, chassis and engine, for example, ATA also assesses theoretical knowledge to ensure all-round current competence. To maintain their skills, technicians will be 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
ATA broke new ground in the retail motor industry in 2005 when it was first introduced for garage technicians, following three years of research and development. 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.
ATA has over 4,000 UK and Ireland technicians accredited and the scheme has since expanded into other sectors including auto glazing, crash repair, roadside assistance and vehicle estimating. In addition, ATA has won approval from consumer groups and Trading Standards and was short-listed for the inaugural Best of British Industry Awards.
As well as recognising proven technical competence and knowledge, ATA brings recognition, status and credibility to skilled people and their businesses, which all stakeholders anticipate will help improve consumer confidence in the motor industry.
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.”
Tom Waterer, MCIA’s Technical Director, added: “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.”
Comments from the scheme's partners:
"At Honda, we have always been committed to offering excellence in customer satisfaction by continued training and assessment of dealer staff across all product groups. Quite often this means working with other organisations to ensure our industry is held in the highest regard by the most important member of the team - the customer. Therefore, we are particularly proud of the part we have played in piloting the ATA scheme for Motorcycle Technicians and we will continue to work with the IMI to ensure its continued success."
David Edwards, Technical Training Manager, Honda Institute
“ATA gives the motorcycle industry and its dealer network an opportunity to demonstrate it is serious about the standard of service offered to its customers.”
Richard Metcalfe, Manager Technical & Customer Service Group, Kawasaki UK
"Yamaha Motor (UK) is delighted to be associated with the ATA programme. It has enabled us to add value to our own training programmes to the advantage of the technician, the dealer and ultimately the customer."
Colin Mosley, Service Training Officer, Yamaha Motor (UK)
“ATA offers an excellent opportunity for the recognition of skills within our industry and the chance to promote the quality work undertaken by technicians. This initiative will have far reaching benefits for public and motorcycle industry alike.”
Graham Stoakes, Lecturer, Highbury College, Portsmouth (ATA approved centre)
“Motorcycling is big in Ireland and we have a lot of skilled, professional technicians. ATA is their opportunity to earn the badge to prove it.”
Martin Hutchinson, Lecturer, North East Institute, Co Antrim (ATA approved centre)
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