Case Study: Peter Durkin

Peter Durkin from Chesterfield has been an IMI member since 1990 and currently works for Bosch as a Workshop Specialist. His passion for education and desire for professionalism within motoring is why he believes in the IMI and the recently launched Professional Register.

The Institute of the Motor Industry, IMI, is the professional body responsible for raising standards in the industry and earlier 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).

Peter ran his own garage for 18 years as a Bosch Service Agent, he now works fulltime for Bosch going out to various workshops to promote everything from parts to training. He did a full apprenticeship and achieved a City and Guilds qualification in Heavy and Light vehicle maintenance. From there Peter went on to get Certificate of Education and lectured at Chesterfield College. Pete is passionate about education and training. As part of his job he has to promote training courses and has to attend courses to learn about them. This is ideal for keeping up his own continuing personal development.

Peter believes that being a member of the IMI and the Professional Register shows that you are good at your job and a professional in your area. When he ran his own business he used to proudly display his certificate from the IMI to reassure his customers, and he felt the letters after his name added to the kudos afforded by IMI membership. Peter is such a firm believer in the IMI that he even keeps a few IMI membership forms in his car so he can leave them with garages he visits.

Peter said: "Joining the IMI and Professional Register gives a professional image and shows you are doing something right. It shows you are interested in what you are doing, you are good at it and you are the best you can be. Look at it from a customer perspective - a car is a big investment - a mechanic needs to recognise this and know what he is doing. CPD means members are up to date and know how to look after your car. If someone brings in their £67,000 car to be repaired the technician needs to be good. Its not just a case of "I'm a mechanic," it's a case of "I'm a professional technician," they know you are looking after it properly."