IMI calls on drivers to ensure mechanics are qualified

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is highlighting the growing need for drivers to ensure that their car is looked after by an appropriately qualified technician.  The call comes on the back of the launch of the IMI’s, Government-backed, Professional Register – a free online service which enables anyone to search for qualified technicians that have been verified and approved by the IMI.

Steve Nash, the IMI’s CEO highlighted the reasons behind the creation of the new Professional Register: “Many drivers will be unaware that the motor industry is unregulated and that anyone can set themselves up to work on cars.  However, the reality is that just because someone is employed in a workshop, does not necessarily mean that they have the skills and expertise to carry out maintenance and repairs correctly, or indeed safely.”

Research suggests that around 175,000 people work as automotive technicians in the UK.  However, the IMI is only able to verify that around 27,000 possess the necessary skills and current competence to carry out work in their area of supposed expertise - thanks largely to a lack of licensing in the sector.

Speaking about this issue, Steve Nash continues: “Modern vehicles are complex and advanced pieces of engineering – even a 10 year-old car can have considerably more computing power than that which took man to the moon.  They are not simple to service or repair and specialist skills are now essential.  However, unlike other professions, such as gas engineers, there is no statutory requirement for motor technicians to prove they have these skills.  This contributes to the sadly familiar scenario of repeat visits to a garage for a single fault, often due to poor diagnosis, and undoubtedly has ramifications around the safety of any work undertaken.”

The IMI’s searchable Professional Register is part funded by UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and currently contains 40,000 qualified and competent individuals in a variety of roles across the motor industry - with around three quarters of this number in technical roles. There are plans to expand this number to 50,000 in 2014. It is the only place to find professionals who have been recognised by the IMI for their experience, continually keeping their skills up-to-date and for their commitment to ethical working practices.  The public can access the IMI’s Professional Register at www.imiregister.org.uk.

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