Parts advisors get recognised through new ATA route
The annual conference for the Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF) has provided the platform for the launch of an accreditation route for Parts Advisors within the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.
Following a pilot programme by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which regulates the ATA scheme; two levels applicable to technicians in the parts sector have been introduced: Parts Advisor and Senior Parts Advisor.
Accreditation in this discipline includes a series of practical assessments incorporating areas such as Communication, which measures candidates' interpersonal skills, Sales and Marketing, Vehicle Identification, picking the correct parts and dealing with those returned. During the one day assessment, candidates are also required to take an on-line knowledge test.
Technicians considering ATA accreditation can take a self-assessment on the ATA web-site, www.automotivetechnician.org.uk
At present, there are three independent centres approved by the IMI to run assessments, these are:
Delphi Lockheed Automotive, Warwick
S&B Training, Bristol and
Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Ireland
Commenting about the new route, Rob Gray from the Workforce Development team at the IMI said: "Many of the individuals working in the parts industry have never had their skills recognised and so this is the first opportunity for many to gain that recognition."
President of the Automotive Distribution Federation, Quintin Cornforth said, "The ADF welcome this addition to the ATA scheme, the independent parts sector has to take steps to organise and regulate itself and the ATA Parts Advisor route is a step in the right direction."
Brian Spratt, the ADF's chief executive, commented, "It's good to see companies in the independent aftermarket committing themselves to creating career paths for their employees. The introduction of the ATA programme for parts advisor and senior parts advisor means that the parts sector is well on the path to qualification regimes appropriate to members' needs."
With over 12,500 ATA registered technicians across the UK, the IMI continues to promote the consumer campaign, 'You know you're OK with ATA'. Motorists can search on-line for their nearest business employing ATA registered technicians, at www.OKwithATA.com
ENDS
For further information please contact Nigel Beaven at the IMI on 01992 511521