Case Study: Azam Chaudhry

Ealing mobile technician becomes one of the first to join the IMI's Professional Register

Azam Chaudhry from Ealing in West London has become one of the first people to join the Institute of the Motor Industry's Professional Register.

The Institute of the Motor Industry, IMI, is the professional body responsible for raising standards in the industry and this year launched a Professional Register. The Professional Register represents individuals who are operating to the highest professional standards. It is for IMI Members who have proven that they have the right qualifications and knowledge to practice professionally within the automotive sector and continually maintain their professional standards by committing to and carrying out continuing professional development (CPD).

Azam has recently branched out and become a self-employed mobile technician and he is more than happy to join the IMI Professional Register to endorse his automotive skills. He has been an IMI member for ten years now so the introduction of the Professional Register earlier this year worked well with his new venture.

Before setting up his own business, Azam started out as a BMW apprentice, since then he has worked for a number of different manufacturers and franchised main dealers. The main benefit he has found from the Professional Register is it has made him look at things differently and approach his work in a more professional manner.

As a member of the Professional Register Azam has to maintain 30 hours of continuing professional development. Having worked for franchised dealers in the past all his training was taken care of, now it is up to him to organise his own training. He is planning on taking a course on hybrid vehicles to stay up to date for his customers and to ensure his own safety and reputation.

Azam said: "I do recommend the IMI where I can. It gives peace of mind to the general public. It reassures them that we are members of a professional body and have to act and behave in a certain manner. Being part of the Professional Register reassures them that you are a professional and understand responsibilities to them and their car. That is why I feel the need for hybrid training, cars are expensive and I could damage the car or injure myself if I'm not trained. It's my responsibility to ensure I'm up to speed and the IMI helps me with courses to attend and encourages my skills and professionalism."