IMI calls for industry-wide technician qualification

IMI calls for industry-wide technician qualification

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has called for the introduction of an industry-wide qualification for all automotive professionals.

Following a report from Which? about garage servicing which shows consumer support for mandatory qualifications, the organisation highlighted the success of its own Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

Launched in 2005, the programme has so far endorsed 24,000 individuals by assessing their competence and is recognised by a number of vehicle manufacturers and service organisations.

The Which? survey indicates that half of car owners believe a professional's commitment to a standard code of conduct is important - something that is offered by the ATA scheme.

Sarah Sillars OBE, IMI executive chair, said: "We welcome the call by Which? to see a recognised, industry-wide qualification introduced for all technicians and we would encourage the industry to support the IMI's voluntary ATA scheme."

She added that the introduction of the standard qualification could improve the status of the skilled profession.

IMI is comprised of 20,000 individual members from all areas of the motoring industry.