20,000 accredited technicians means safer UK roads
Badly repaired cars are a leading cause of traffic accidents and pose a serious risk to the safety of individuals and families on the road. However, a recent poll shows over 80 percent of the population do not know how to tell a good vehicle technician from a bad one.
Today (22 March), the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme announced its 20,000th accredited technician, offering a highly visible and successful solution to the lack of consumer confidence in the automotive repair industry.
"The ATA scheme only started five years ago," explains Sarah Sillars OBE, the Executive Chair of The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which administers the ATA scheme. "To reach 20,000 accredited technicians in such a short amount of time - a rate of ten new members a day - is an incredible achievement."
The technician to claim the 20,000 milestone was Doug Creed, who works for Kwik-Fit in Bromley, Kent.
"The accreditation is great, because it means I'm up always to speed with changes in this fast-moving industry," said Creed. "It's easy to see why Kwik-Fit supports the ATA scheme, and I'm pleased to have helped it grow so quickly."
"ATA has very strong backing from the industry," agrees Sillars. "Kwik-Fit is a good example of a well known industry name now giving their backing to the initiative. We're very pleased to have reached this landmark with them. ATA technicians like Doug play an important role in improving public perceptions of our sector"
ATA is a voluntary scheme by which technicians prove their technical competence, and are also bound by an ethical Code of Conduct.
"The success of the scheme shows there is a real demand from consumers to know how to find technicians that can get the job done - properly and honestly," continued Sillars.
To find their nearest accredited technician, a consumer can visit www.okwithata.com or download the free ATA iPhone App.
Following a pilot programme, the IMI are also pleased to announce that two levels applicable to technicians working in the fast fit sector have now been introduced into the ATA scheme. The IMI worked with a variety of organisations involved in fast fit to develop the route, these included Kwik-Fit, ATS Euromaster, National Tyres and Autocare, HiQ, Delphi, Ford and GM.
Accreditation in this discipline includes a series of practical assessments incorporating areas such as tyres, exhausts, battery and related components, wheel alignment and customer care. Candidates are also required to take an on-line knowledge test.
Technicians considering accreditation can find out more information including where to locate their nearest assessment centre, by visiting the ATA web-site www.automotivetechnician.org.uk