Independent center opens for auto-glazing assessments

Citation

(2009), "Independent center opens for auto-glazing assessments", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 41 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2009.03741bab.009

Independent center opens for auto-glazing assessments

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 41, Issue 2

Essex Glass and Windscreens has become the first approved independent assessment center to offer Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) in auto-glazing for the independent windscreen industry, following approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which regulates the scheme.

Owned and run by Leon and Maria Charlton, who have worked in the windscreen market for more than 15 years, Chelmsford-based Essex Glass and Windscreens has opened its doors to independent auto-glaziers who seek industry recognition of their technical competence. Technicians must pass a series of practical assessments and an online test to achieve accreditation.

Commented Maria Charlton: “Today’s windscreens, with solar-reflective glass, integrated rain and light sensors, built-in heated filaments and even head-up display systems, have become known as ‘smart glass’. Therefore auto-glazing technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of how complex windscreens work and interact with the rest of the vehicle.”

Ian Gillgrass, IMI workforce-development manager, said: “The speed at which our industry is evolving has shown the importance of technicians demonstrating current competence, underpinned by their commitment to an ethical code of conduct. ATA has generated significant momentum across the industry and the IMI is delighted that Essex Glass and Windscreens is supporting the initiative in its own market.”

James Hall, an autoglazing technician and ATA assessor, who works for Essex Glass and Windscreens, said: “I believe the ATA standard will help to achieve the recognition we as auto-glazing technicians deserve.”

Meanwhile, UK fleet-funding and management company Lloyds TSB Autolease has given a vehicle to the automotive department of City College, Birmingham. The car, formerly a fleet vehicle, was donated as part the company’s involvement with the IMI Skillmiles scheme, which awards points to organizations and individuals who help to support the institute’s work in raising skill levels across the sector.

David Gibson, college principal, commented: “This vehicle will give our students studying for automotive qualifications the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the latest diagnostic technology found on the vehicles of today.”

More than 30,000 SkillMiles points have been awarded by the IMI so far, in reward for activity such as participation on working groups or loan of vehicles or equipment. Collectively, these points are equivalent in value to more than £300,000 of support from across the sector.

The IMI is the trade association for people working in the retail motor industry and the Sector Skills Council for the automotive sector, part of the Skills for Business network