Welsh Assembly Minister helps Mercedes-Benz celebrate ATA milestone
Customer Service Advisor, Rose Lewis, who works at Mercedes-Benz of Cardiff and Newport, is the 25,000th individual to have achieved the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard.
She received her ATA card and certificate of achievement at a presentation attended by Linda Stansfield, Chief Operating Officer from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Lesley Griffiths AM; Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Rose has worked for Mercedes Benz in Cardiff for the last eight years as a Customer Appointments Controller (CAC) however she supports the Service Team Managers (STM) when required. She completed her ATA assessment at the Mercedes-Benz Training Academy in Milton Keynes through the Advantage Business Group.
Customer service staff are usually the first and only point of contact for customers. It's their job to generate trust and build long-term relationships. This depends on their ability to create an inspiring first impression, and then to build on it for the ongoing benefit of the business and to their customers.
ATA customer service accreditation is the first voluntary scheme designed to support businesses' and individuals' delivery of exceptional service - by providing proof, through assessment, of an individual's ability to deliver rewarding customer experiences. The scheme has been developed with the backing of major motor manufacturers and is regulated by the IMI.
ATA customer service is an extension of the already successful technical accreditation programme and successful candidates receive a photo ID card and are included on an online register of ATA registered individuals.
Lesley Griffiths congratulated Rose on her achievement and the Institute of the Motor Industry for reaching this significant milestone only 5 years after the scheme was launched.
"Skills development and recognition of skills through innovative schemes like ATA are vital for economic renewal in Wales and a key priority for the Welsh Assembly Government. I am pleased to note that ATA is providing skill and career recognition to many in the industry who previously were not recognised for the level of competence required for them to do their job effectively."
Commenting on the milestone, Linda Stansfield said:
"Our congratulations go to Rose on her ATA achievement. The number of individuals achieving ATA continues to grow, and reaching another significant milestone shows the progress the industry has made to recognise current competence and ethical behaviour. ATA customer service is a benchmark for companies striving for excellence and the involvement of a prestigious brand such as Mercedes-Benz will help raise the profile of accreditation within the sector."
Accreditation is open to those working in franchised and independent garages and the scheme is backed by all major vehicle manufacturers and independent service and repair organisations, as well as consumer groups including Which?
The IMI's campaign, 'You know you're OK with ATA', helps motorists find their nearest business employing ATA registered individuals. Consumers can search on-line at www.OKwithATA.com.