IMI News

ATA Vehicle Inspection Technician Approved by VOSA as Prerequisite MOT Route

After working closely with the industry and VOSA, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) recently launched a level 3 Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) route in Light Vehicle Inspection.

Meeting VOSA's 'technical competence' criteria, this new ATA route provides an extended opportunity for individuals looking to take the VOSA MOT tester training course. Designed for technicians who inspect, maintain and repair light vehicles, the accreditation is now an approved entry route alongside relevant level 3 automotive qualifications, ATA Diagnostic Technician route and the Nominated Tester Training Assessment examination.

To achieve the ATA in Light Vehicle Inspection, technicians are assessed in areas including their ability to check vehicle brake, suspension and electrical systems and diagnose faults using logical methods.

Steve Scofield, Head of the IMI's Accreditation Academy said: "We are pleased to offer this new route to entry for VOSA's MOT tester training course. For individuals to gain ATA Light Vehicle Inspection approved status, they will have been assessed against robust industry standards and demonstrated competency. The IMI develop routes such as these to provide technicians with status, employability and ultimately recognition through the IMI's Professional Register." 

Alastair Peoples, VOSA Chief Executive said: "VOSA supports all initiatives that improve the standard of MOT testing. The new ATA solution provides a further significant building block to achieving nominated status and allows individuals to demonstrate current competency and understanding of new technology."

Like other ATA routes, the Light Vehicle Inspection accreditation gives individuals and employers a recognised development path, allowing technicians to be recognised for skills and knowledge in their specific sub-sector. As the technician's competencies have been assessed against robust industry standards, consumers gain extra confidence in the quality of service and work undertaken.

Five ATA assessment centres, who were involved in the pilot, are currently approved to offer ATA Light Vehicle Inspection route:

• Kingsway Consulting Ltd - Scunthorpe, South Humberside DN17 1AJ
• Premier MOT - 13 Eldon Way, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4AD
• S&B Automotive Academy - Princess Street, Bristol BS3 4AG
• The Manchester College - Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WH
• ATS Euromaster Ltd - Vantage Point, 20 Upper Portland St, Aston, Birmingham B6 5TW (training and assessments  only available to ATS Euromaster employees at this centre)

Further assessment centres will become available throughout the UK for technicians to undertake training and assessment for this new ATA route.  To find your nearest approved ATA assessment centre visit the IMI Awards website.

 For further information on how to become an MOT tester click here.

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For further information and media enquiries please contact
Jane Allan, janea@motor.org.uk  on 01992 511521 or 07876 251980

Notes for Editors:
About the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
The IMI is the home for members and professionally registered individuals working in the motor industry. It is the industry's Government licensed Sector Skills Council (SSC) the governing body of the ATA and AMA accreditation schemes and is the authoritative source of information, standards, qualifications and apprenticeships for the retail motor industry.

 About VOSA
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was formed in 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport. VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.

UKCES - Employer Investment Fund
The IMI received partial funding from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) to develop ATA which included the new Light Vehicle Inspection Route. The investment, which forms part of the Government's Employer Investment Fund (EIF), delivers project to boost enterprise, jobs and growth.