Renault motors to training milestone

More than 150 senior technicians have received automotive-technician accreditation (ATA) at diagnostic-technician level, at vehicle-maker Renault’s training centre in Doncaster, UK.

The ATA programme is a voluntary assessment scheme for technicians working in the motor industry, governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry, the sector’s professional association. Some 4,500 technicians at thousands of dealerships and independent garages across the UK and Ireland have achieved ATA status since it was launched two years ago.

To achieve accreditation, a technician must pass a series of tests of practical skill and knowledge, at one of three competency levels –service-maintenance technician, diagnostic technician and master technician. They are reassessed every five years to make sure that they remain abreast of technology innovations.

Although many automotive technicians are assessed for ATA accreditation through independent test centres, Renault has embraced the ideals of the ATA programme to complement its own continuous professional-development programme. More than half its senior technicians are now ATA accredited.

Renault has more than 2,450 technicians in the UK, including more than 400 Renault technical experts and 300 senior technicians either qualified or in training. Now, with more than 150 of these ATA accredited, the company is seeking to help all its technical experts and senior technicians to reach ATA status as part of their development by paying their registration fee.

David Greenway, Renault UK’s head of network training, commented:“The company has a long track record in delivering high-quality training for its technicians at all levels. Now more than ever, delivering excellent customer service is vital to our business, so we are proud to support the ATA scheme, not only in reassuring the public of the quality of our technicians working on their cars, but also in enabling our technicians to gain another industry qualification for the future.”