IMI Awards News

New Dedicated IMI Awards Assessment Centre for ATA

Following the highly successful opening of the technologically advanced Auto Diagnostic Centre at North Lindsey College, considerable funds have been invested in the centre which has already seen hundreds of motor trade businesses and individuals within the Humber region benefit from the College’s outstanding facilities.

The main objective of the Auto Diagnostic Centre was to provide cutting edge facilities to the Humber region giving a boost to the motor trade whilst also raising the achievements and qualification base of those who work within the motor industry. 

Over the last month the Auto Diagnostic Centre has undergone a complete refurbishment and is now a dedicated facility offering Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) assessments.  Through the centre the College, and its wholly owned subsidiary training company, Kingsway Consulting Ltd, is now able to offer a broad range of

ATA routes including:

• Air Conditioning
• Light Vehicle

 on offer, in the near future:

• MET (Mechanical, Electrical and Trim)
• Motorcycle
• Body & Paint
• Heavy Vehicle

Launched in 2005 ATA is a nationwide voluntary scheme which was set up to test the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technicians working across a broad range of disciplines within the motor industry.

ATA (similar to Corgi registration for gas fitters) is the first scheme of its kind to identify people who have proven their technical knowledge and ability.  Successful technicians receive an ATA photo card displaying their level of accreditation, date passed and expiry date.  All accredited technicians are also listed on the ATA website allowing members of the public to find their nearest accredited technician before booking their vehicle in for work.

In addition, ATA technicians also sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ which commits them to ensuring ethical competence in the workplace and is governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).  IMI Awards, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry, approves the assessment centres to ensure they meet the requirements to provide consistent, high quality assessments to the candidates.

Running on a rolling programme, the courses are offered at three different levels with each assessment lasting between one and two days and are completely responsive to the needs of businesses.  Technicians are also able to enrol on the whole course or just the exam/assessment depending on their level of experience and prior knowledge.

Commenting on the new facility Wayne Goodall, Senior Diagnostics Co-ordinator at Kingsway Consulting said:  “We are the number one college in the North for delivering motor vehicle training and the only college in this area able to deliver training in mobile air conditioning.  We have a dedicated Business Team and are proud of our capacity to delivery ATA assessments at regular intervals making us entirely responsive to the needs of both individuals and businesses working within the motor vehicle industry.”

Janice Elliott, Director of Enterprise and Innovation of North Lindsey College, and Head of Kingsway Consulting said:
“We are proud of the work we do with the motor trade which enables us to provide programmes that help raise standards within the industry”

The ongoing investment at the College ensures that the Humber region is second to none in terms of resources and facilities and puts the Humber region at the forefront of motor vehicle technology and innovation.

A wide range of motor vehicle courses are available at the College and we will be happy to produce bespoke courses to suit employers within the motor vehicle industry.

Kingsway training centre is located within one mile of the railway station and the motorway network, with reasonably priced accommodation available close by.

For further information contact:
The support team at Kingsway Consulting about ATA Assessments at the facility on 01724 294040 or email kcinfo@northlindsey.ac.uk
or
Jane Allan at IMI Awards on 01992 519036