The BVRLA and the Institute of the Motor Industry have launched a new Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) for the rental and leasing sector.
People working in a maintenance controller or technical services role can now apply to have their competence assessed against a national benchmark developed by the BVRLA and IMI Awards (the awarding body of the Institute of the Motor Industry). It represents the culmination of two years' effort by an expert working group from the rental and leasing industry, led by Nora Leggett, the BVRLA's head of member services.
"As well as giving a boost to individual careers, employers will be able to promote the fact that they employ ATA-registered technicians," she said. "Customers will know that they are in good hands when they see the ATA logo in tender documents and other marketing materials."
Ian Gillgrass, accreditation manager at the IMI said:
"Following a successful pilot involving six of the major organisations in this sector working closely with the BVRLA, we are delighted to announce the launch of this new ATA route.
"Many of the individuals working in this sector have never had their skills recognised, so this is the first opportunity for many to gain that recognition."
The ATA assessment programme measures individual performance against a set of key industry skills, providing proof of competence and a desire to work to a high professional standard and code of conduct. It is regulated by the Institute of the Motor Industry, which is the professional association and Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry.