Launch of first national accreditation scheme for bodyshop technicians means higher standards for car owners

Brickendon, Hertfordshire, September 10 -- A ground-breaking initiative to take professional standards in the vehicle body repair industry to a new level is launched today, (September 10) with the introduction of the first national accreditation scheme for individual body fitters, painters and panel repair technicians.

After months of research, a process of individual accreditation was found to be the preferred solution to raising standards, addressing skills shortage issues and improving consumer confidence.

The IMI/Thatcham Bodyshop Technician Accreditation Programme

Developed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Thatcham (Motor Insurance Research and Repair Centre), the programme involves the rigorous assessment of technicians through a robust and regulated process. It covers three different bodyshop disciplines - fitting; panel repair; and painting.

The route to accreditation includes a demanding one-day practical assessment either at Thatcham or one of its approved regional training centres around the UK, as well as an on-line examination of knowledge from the IMI. Successful technicians will be accredited for two years, whereupon their validation must be renewed through a further re-assessment.

Should somebody fail any stage of the process, they will be provided with a training needs analysis and a time-frame for re-application. Successful technicians have the option of undertaking additional accreditation modules to satisfy specific employer requirements.

Additionally, the programme gives individuals industry recognition of their professional competence, which the IMI and Thatcham claims will encourage technicians to seek accreditation, as a means of improving their employability and status.

In a bid to highlight the importance of improving skills within the sector, the initiative is being supported by leading UK crash repair distributor, Brown Brothers.

Commented Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, Institute of the Motor Industry: "This initiative answers the findings our research, which identified a need for a rigorous and consistently applied process of assessing, developing and recognising technical skills in the motor industry. In partnership with Thatcham, we believe that the Bodyshop Technician Accreditation Programme will benefit not only technicians, but also their employers and consumers. This is a great step forward for the UK motor industry."

The initial fee for the accreditation programme is £195 per technician, which includes two years' registration on the IMI/Thatcham bodyshop accredited technician register.