Master Ainsley makes it 3,000
Independent garage owner and vehicle technician, Ainsley McEwan, proprietor of McEwan's Garage in Derby, has become the 3,000th individual to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard.
Mr McEwan, who has been in the motor industry for thirty years, achieved his accreditation at the highest level of ATA Master, following his assessment at automotive training services company, AS Automotive, in Cannock, which is one of 40 independent ATA approved assessment centres.
Launched in 2005, the ATA scheme recognises skilled technicians who have been independently tested and are committed to a code of ethical conduct. It is governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor sector and also the UK's leading awarding body for automotive qualifications.
To mark this milestone for the initiative, Mr McEwan was presented with a bottle of champagne by Alan Mackrill, director of learning and skills, IMI. Regional branch manager, Snap-on Tools, Steve Rowe, presented Mr McEwan with a 'Solus' diagnostic tool.
Said Mr McEwan:
"With the rapid increase in vehicle technology it is essential they are maintained and repaired by technicians who have the knowledge and skills required to do this efficiently and safely. The ATA scheme ensures that these levels are achieved and I was keen to attain the ATA accreditation at Master level to show that an independent garage can meet these challenges now and into the future."
Alan Mackrill, IMI director of learning and skills, added:
"This further milestone is great news for the scheme, underlining the industry's desire to recognise the importance and value of current competence and ethical behaviour. By gaining Master Technician status at a national level, Ainsley has shown that he is among the elite of vehicle technicians and this sends a clear message of expertise and integrity to his customers. It's tremendous too that major industry brands such as Snap-on are actively promoting the benefits of getting involved."