IMI announces increase to ATA network following agreement with City & Guilds
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has today (20 August 2009) announced an agreement with the qualification awarding body City & Guilds to further extend the network of centres offering Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA).
ATA is a national, voluntary accreditation scheme designed to test the current competency of individuals working in the automotive sector and is regulated by the IMI, the industry Sector Skills Council and professional association. The new alliance with City & Guilds now means that two of the major awarding bodies in the automotive sector can offer ATA, with IMI Awards Limited already having a network of approved centres running assessments.
Commenting on the agreement, Sarah Sillars OBE, Chief Executive of the IMI said:
“The signing of the agreement with City & Guilds marks a tremendous step forward for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme. Since its launch in 2005, the scheme has been growing in numbers, now with over 17,000 technicians holding accreditation. This new alliance with City & Guilds shows the continued growth of the scheme enabling more technicians to achieve the ATA standard.”
Charles Leigh, sector general manager at City & Guilds said;
“By offering ATA assessments, City & Guilds is pleased to demonstrate its continuing commitment and support to the retail motor industry in developing the skills and capabilities of employees. Automotive technology is evolving faster than ever as is customer expectation of the service they receive. ATA is an effective way of ensuring technicians and customer service staff are properly trained and qualified to service and repair vehicles to the highest standards. City & Guilds looks forward to working closely with the Sector Skills Council and IMI Awards to increase access and availability to the ATA scheme.”
There are currently 115 centres in the UK and Ireland with an additional centre in Cyprus offering ATA assessments via the IMI Awards network and the addition of City & Guilds will increase the choice for technicians wishing to become accredited.
Alan Mackrill, Managing Director of IMI Awards said:
“We are very proud to have been involved with the development and growth of ATA over the last four years. The growth in the number of technicians and our ATA approved centre network is reflective of the demand by the sector. IMI Awards will continue to expand our network and look forward to working with City & Guilds to provide excellent national and international coverage to meet demands.”
City and Guilds will be offering ATA assessments through its approved centre network from September 2009. Each of their 300 centres already providing automotive qualifications will have the opportunity to fast track to offer ATA assessments from this date.
Technicians who wish to take an assessment can find their nearest centre by visiting www.automotivetechnician.org.uk.
The IMI has launched a campaign, ‘You know you’re OK with ATA’, to help motorists find their nearest garage
employing ATA registered technicians to service, repair and maintain their car. You can search on-line at www.OKwithATA.com