Mobile Assessment Helps Motor Technicians Gain Vital Accreditation

March 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Motor technicians in charge of car parts can now gain vital industry qualifications without having to travel hundreds of miles to get accredited.

Up until now part technicians wanting to become Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) qualified would have to travel to one of the few academies or colleges in the country that offers the assessment.

But now S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol has set up the country’s first team of mobile assessors that will travel to where ever the assessment is needed, transforming the way the motor industry checks the competence of those working in the sector.

It means technicians can get assessed without having to leave the workplace saving huge amounts of time in terms of travel, overnight stays and time lost at the workplace. It will also save huge outlay in terms of money.

Jon Winter, chief executive at S&B Automotive Academy said: “Garage owners and technicians take the ATA standard very seriously and are keen to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining skill levels.

“However many said the need to travel often inhibited them from getting the qualification. We constantly look at how the academy can improve its service, so having taken on board what garage owners and technicians said, have put in place this very flexible approach to deliver a highly regarded qualification.”

ATA is the UK motor industry’s voluntary scheme that tests both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technicians. The industry-wide initiative identifies those who have not only proven their competence in their job but also signed a professional Code of Conduct.

It means motorists and employers of technicians know they are up to the job.

Jon added: “As the industry standard ATA is becoming more and more important. That’s because motorists will only use those garages and technicians that are accredited.

“It’s a bit like using a Gas Safe (previously CORGI) registered gas engineer so is vital motor technicians show they are competent in the job they do and our mobile assessors will clearly help raise the standards across the sector.”

The academy currently trains 600 students a year with courses ranging from pre-apprenticeships, through apprenticeships for those working in the motor industry, management training and other short courses.

A leader in the automotive sector, the academy received a platinum SkillMiles award from Prince Michael of Kent. The award was presented by the Institute of Motor Industry in recognition of its work in meeting the skills needs of the automotive industry.

For further information please visit the website on www.sandbaa.com or call T:0117 953 3001.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of S&B Automotive Academy by Empica Ltd. For further information contact Laurence Phillips on T: 01275 394 400.

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S&B Automotive Academy is based in Bristol UK specialising in training apprentices for the motor industry.

Release by Empica: http://www.empica.co.uk