Automotive Technician Accreditation
Encyclopedia
The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a trade qualification for all facets of automotive repair
in the UK. It is a voluntary scheme (not legally binding) similar to that for electricians run by the NICEIC
, and similarly is not government-run.
Around 25,000 mechanics are ATA-registered.
), based in Brickendon
, Hertfordshire
near Bayford railway station
south of Hertford. They maintain a register of ATA qualified technicians. The IMI is the main national training organisation for automotive mechanics in the UK. The accreditations are a part of the (national) Qualifications and Credit Framework
. IMIAL has around 21 full-time staff at its head office. IMIAL is a member of the Federation of Awarding Bodies IMIAL also maintains close contact with the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency.
Breakdown (vehicle)
A vehicle breakdown is the operational failure of a motor vehicle in such a way that the underlying problem prevents the vehicle from being operated at all, or impedes the vehicle's operation so much, that it is very difficult or nearly impossible, or dangerous to operate, or else at risk of...
in the UK. It is a voluntary scheme (not legally binding) similar to that for electricians run by the NICEIC
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting or NICEIC is one which regulates the training and work of electrical enterprises in the UK...
, and similarly is not government-run.
History
It began in June 2005. It was introduced because the level of complexity required to maintain cars needed more competent technicians, from ATA-registered garages.Around 25,000 mechanics are ATA-registered.
Management
It is run by IMI Awards Ltd - IMIAL, a not-for-profit organisation that is part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (formerly Automotive SkillsAutomotive Skills
Automotive Skills Limited is an English registered charity and one of 25 Sector Skills Councils , responsible for the retail motor industry, awarded a licensed by the then secretary of state at the Department for Education and Skills, the Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP, in February 2004 .The SSC...
), based in Brickendon
Brickendon
Brickendon is a village in the civil parish of Brickendon Liberty in the district of East Hertfordshire about 3 miles south of the county town Hertford, and is served by Bayford railway station....
, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
near Bayford railway station
Bayford railway station
Bayford railway station serves the villages of Bayford and Brickendon in Hertfordshire, England. The station is on the Hertford Loop Line 30 km north of London Kings Cross.-Services:...
south of Hertford. They maintain a register of ATA qualified technicians. The IMI is the main national training organisation for automotive mechanics in the UK. The accreditations are a part of the (national) Qualifications and Credit Framework
Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework is the national credit transfer system for education qualification in England, Education in Northern Ireland and Wales. The QCF replaces the National Qualifications Framework which closed for accreditations at the end of 2010...
. IMIAL has around 21 full-time staff at its head office. IMIAL is a member of the Federation of Awarding Bodies IMIAL also maintains close contact with the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency.
Examination
Technicians are trained at over 500 approved centres (FE colleges and commercial training organisations) around Britain. Each set of practical tests for each type of accreditation takes around a day, with an online test (for simplicity of marking). It takes place at an IMI Awards Ltd centre.See also
- National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, based on the Birmingham Business Park next to the NEC, which started in January 2007
- Society of Motor Manufacturers and TradersSociety of Motor Manufacturers and TradersThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is the trade association for the United Kingdom motor industry. It "promote the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad".-History:...
- Scottish Motor Trade Association
- Retail Motor Industry FederationRetail Motor Industry FederationThe Retail Motor Industry Federation represents the interests of motor industry operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses...
- Good Garage SchemeGood Garage SchemeGood Garage Scheme is a series of same name automobile repair shop monitoring schemes in the United Kingdom , each of which aims to improve industry repair standards for the benefit of consumers. Initially, Trade Secretary Stephen Byers raised the idea for a government "good garage" scheme in...
External links
- Automotive Technician Accreditation
- Companies employing ATA technicians
- Institute of the Motor Industry
- IMI Awards
- Autocity (IMI)