News posted 10/08/2009
The ADF is keen to get its members involved in the new ATA parts advisors accreditation programme.
Get on board with the parts market ATA
Moving the ATA scheme into the parts market needs your input!
The news item in the May 15th 2009 issue of the ADF’s e-Bulletin on High Wycombe-based Allparts Automotive’s new training and conference centre is a good indication of the emphasis being placed on training by forward thinking companies in the parts aftermarket.
For many years Mill Autoquip in Cornwall have had a unique relationship with the local college in Camborne. There they train, not only new parts personnel, they even train the young technicians to think of Mill when sourcing parts!
It’s clear that, in order to face the market’s challenges, all parts distributors need to be embracing training and personnel development at all levels in the business. As Bill Gates is quoted as saying, “If you think training your employees is expensive, try putting a price on having ignorant ones!”
ATA – Automotive Technician Accreditation is the programme launched by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to address the lack of personnel development and status in the motor trade. It aims to measure and reward the competence of employees and does so within an ethical framework – all designed to rid the motor trade of its dubious reputation.
Initially aimed at vehicle technicians, over 13,000 individuals have been recognised by ATA and are on the ATA public register of accredited technicians. More recently the ATA Parts Advisor route was launched at the ADF Conference in December last year. This ATA route recognises skills and knowledge of Parts Advisors dealing with retail and trade customers. Future developments will include other job roles such as senior parts advisors, delivery drivers and sales advisors.
This is a big task; for individual companies, the ADF and IMI, and, of course for the candidates themselves; but the rewards for our sector can be enormous.
The assessment centres appointed by IMI also have a problem. They have to equip themselves and train their assessors, but need some knowledge of the potential demand before they make their plans.
What can you do?
1. Let us know how many potential candidates you have in your business. Please break down the numbers into ‘parts advisor’ and ‘senior parts advisor’ and, if you operate multiple depots, the locations.
2. Let us know if you have, or have access to, training rooms/assessment rooms into which we could ‘parachute’ assessors to work on a local basis.
3. Let us know if you are already using the services/facilities of a training company, local college or other body, to train and develop your employees.
Any other comments you wish to make would be most welcome and would help us ensure that ATA develops the way you wish it to.
You can view all ADF's news updates here.
