Automotive Technician Accreditation

UK’s top automotive glazier urges sector to seek accreditation

Having successfully achieved the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard, the UK's 2010 Master Fitter Champion, Matt Cassells, is urging other independent automotive glazing technicians to seek recognition in an increasingly challenging market.

According to Master Fitter Matt, who works for Nationwide Windscreen Services (NWS) in Chorley, Lancashire, progressive advances in technology mean that technicians working for the estimated 700 independent windscreen repair and replacement businesses across the UK will soon need a form of differentiation to keep them ahead of the competition.
Keen to add another string to his bow after securing fourth place at the International Master Fitter Championships in Germany, Matt successfully completed his ATA assessment at the Independent Windscreen Academy in Essex.

ATA autoglazing is one of the eleven routes that form part of the successful technical accreditation programme governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and successful candidates receive a photo ID card valid for five years and are included on an online register of ATA registered individuals.  There are currently 25,000 accredited individuals across all disciplines who have achieved the ATA standard.

Commenting on his achievement, Matt said:
"I have been in this business for 19 years and I always try to better myself. Every day in this industry is different but you still need to keep ahead in order to maintain high quality standards. Achieving ATA was important to me as a way of showing others that I'm committed to continuing professional development. If you don't keep your skills up to scratch, your career and possibly your own business will end up going backwards."

Maria Charlton, Director of IWA, which was the first independent training provider to gain approval to run ATA assessments in automotive glazing, said:
"Matt is a real ambassador for the independent automotive glazing industry and his approach reflects IWA's mission to improve skills and recognition within the workforce. Now that our industry is part of Worldskills too, it's critical that we are able to attract new talent and show them that's a recognised career path with a robust and respected form of recognition."

The IMI's campaign, 'You know you're OK with ATA', helps motorists find their nearest business employing ATA registered individuals.  Consumers can search on-line at www.OKwithATA.com.