14,000th technician achieves national standard of competence
With many cars now as technically sophisticated as some aircraft, Scottish automotive technician Andrew Millar has proved he’s got what it takes as a motor industry professional after receiving national recognition for his skills.
Andrew, who works at BB Body Repairers in Dumfries, is the 14,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard, regulated by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Andrew has worked in the motor industry since he left school, joining BB Body Repairs over ten years ago in 1988. He achieved his accreditation at Senior Paint Technician level at Motherwell College one of five ATA approved assessment centres in Scotland.
To mark the 14,000th milestone, Andrew was presented with his ATA card and a bottle of Champagne by Sandy Burgess, the IMI’s National Manager for Scotland.
Commenting on the milestone, Tom Beattie, manager of BB Body Repairers said:
"Things have changed a lot since the company was formed way back in 1976. Standards have improved and technicians are gaining new qualifications to match the new generation of vehicles being assembled. Andrew achieving ATA along with the rest of his colleagues, places BB Body Repairers in an excellent position to move forward and attain the UK's most recognised, premier safety mark the BSI Kitemark"
Andrew Millar said: “I am proud to be involved in the ATA scheme, which shows our customers that they can rely on my expertise to do a good job, giving them peace of mind. Today’s vehicles are increasingly complex, so it is vital there is a benchmark of competence for automotive professionals which the public can recognise.”
Sandy also introduced Andrew to the benefits of continuing his professional recognition through membership of the IMI. All technicians who achieve the ATA standard are now given information about how their accreditation can link into membership of the industry’s professional association.
Sandy Burgess, IMI National Manager for Scotland said:
“The number of technicians achieving ATA continues to grow and reaching another significant milestone shows the progress the industry has made to recognise technical competence and ethical behaviour. Technicians carrying the ATA ID card have proved they have the right skills and all have agreed to abide by a code of honest conduct. ATA technicians like Andrew play an integral part in continuing to improve public perceptions of our sector”
Since the public launch of ATA at the British International Motor Show in July 2008, the ‘You know you’re OK with ATA’ message has achieved a circulation of more than 30 million in the UK.
Motorists in Scotland along with those across the rest of the UK can search for their nearest business employing ATA registered technicians by going to www.okwithata.com