UK's leading vehicle rescue organisations unite in quest to stay ahead of the future
Massive advances in new car technology, in many cases, more complex than a fighter aircraft, has prompted the launch of a unified initiative from the biggest roadside assistance organisations to ensure their patrols remain at the cutting edge of technical expertise for the benefit of millions of motorists.
Officially unveiled on Wednesday 7 February 2007 at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in Hertford, Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) for Roadside Assistance has been developed by the AA, Mondial UK and RAC, in association with the IMI, the professional association for the motor industry, which governs the scheme.
Testing the ‘hands on’ practical skills of patrols in a range of technical disciplines, ATA also assesses theoretical systems knowledge to ensure all-round current competence. An initial 100 patrols have achieved accreditation as part of a pilot programme and it will be available to all patrols across the three organisations, totalling some 5,000.
So that organisations can keep abreast of new innovations, patrol technicians will be required to renew their accreditation every five years, as part of their rigorous continuing professional development, which will be independently monitored by the IMI. The ATA Roadside Assistance scheme consists of two levels of accreditation:
- 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.
Backed by the Government and all major car manufacturers, as well as leading service and repair chains, ATA has some 4,000 UK and Ireland technicians accredited to date. The scheme has since expanded into other sectors including auto glazing, crash repair, motorcycle servicing and vehicle estimating. In addition, ATA has won approval from consumer groups and Trading Standards.
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 across the motor industry.
Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, Institute of the Motor Industry, said:
“Such rapid vehicle evolution demands the utmost technical proficiency and the launch of ATA for the Roadside Assistance sector will bring continued reassurance to millions of motorists that they will be aided by technicians who are ambassadors for the cause in promoting skills, customer service and integrity.”
Steve Dewey, Road Operations Director, AA, commented:
“Our patrols thrive on delivering excellent service to our members, fixing cars at the roadside, so it’s critical that our patrols and AA as an employer invest continually in this expertise. For the first time, they will have external accreditation that will assist with their continuing professional development. We demand high standards from them, so the ATA scheme will be of mutual benefit, as well as to customers, by benchmarking standards across the industry.”
Robert James, Technical Services Director, Mondial UK, said:
“Mondial has always been an advocate of ATA. We take great pride in representing motor manufacturers, ensuring their customers enjoy the highest level of assistance. The industry is continuously raising its game to exceed customer expectation and by working together and recognising the excellence of our technicians, we will set new standards in customer care.”
David Bizley, Director of Technical, RAC, said:
“Roadside technicians address a wider variety of technical problems in the most challenging of conditions. ATA for Roadside Assistance provides recognition of the very high levels of skill of the technicians working within this sector, which are amongst the highest in the motor industry.”