Case Study: Paul Cushing

Paul Cushing, a garage technician from Norwich, has been one of the first to join the Institute of the Motor Industry's Professional Register that was launched in April of this year.

The IMI, the professional body for those working in the automotive retail sector, has introduced the Professional Register to identify individuals who maintain their skills and knowledge which will enable UK motorists to make informed choices when dealing with those who work in the sector.  The Professional Register includes individuals in the automotive industry who have proven they have the right qualifications and knowledge to practice professionally within the automotive sector, abide by a code of ethical conduct and who continually maintain their professional standards by committing to continuing professional development (CPD) and proving current competence.

IMI members, of which there are more than 16,500, are ideally positioned to become professionally registered and have been the first to be invited to join free of charge.

Paul Cushing works for D Utting and Son Ltd, a small independent garage that has   provided vehicle servicing and repair and MOT's to residents living in Norwich, since 1924.   He joined D Utting and Son Ltd as a junior technician in 2001. Paul believes the reason the garage continues to provide good service to its customers is because of its commitment to staff training.

He has undertaken a number of training courses, to date, including the light vehicle apprenticeship, HGV apprenticeship, MOT, air conditioning and other qualitative training and was one of the first to join the Professional Register.

Paul believes that membership of the IMI has brought a range of benefits, including improved career prospects and access to discounts on training, advice, support, network and legal training.  Paul will be undertaking regular CPD so that he can remain on the Professional Register, using online training courses, in-conjunction with in-house experience and documentation.  He is particularly interested in the courses on common rail diesel and oscilloscope training.

For customers, Paul said:
"The garage is going through a major refit and once completed we will frame our IMI certificates and put them in our entrance to reception and I'll also use my post nominal letters on all correspondence. Customers want to see recognised standards and qualifications. I personally would like to see joining the Professional Register compulsory across the industry as I believe it is the only way of guaranteeing standards when things move on so quickly from year to year.

Joining my professional association definitely offers good value for money. I have just recommended one of my colleagues to join as with technology moving on so fast you've got to keep up to date through regular CPD."

Lesley Woolley, Head of Professional Development at the IMI, said: "This is an exciting time for the sector and the consumer as we take the final step towards establishing real consumer confidence in our industry. Through the Professional Register, members like Mr Cushing are able to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining their skills and consumers will be able to make informed choices about the best place to buy, repair or service their vehicle."