New installation accreditation to benefit vehicle users

Nationally recognised accreditation for installation technicians is set to become a reality.

The Mobile Electronics and Security Federation announces that work on Automotive Technician Accreditation for installers of audio, security, communications and similar equipment is set begin on April 21 2008, as part of The Institute of the Motor Industry’s ATA programme for motor industry technicians.

Although already offering installation technicians a full range of industry specific qualifications and training for many years as an IMI Approved Centre, the MESF saw that to gain full motor industry acceptance of the aftermarket sector that installs audio, security, communications and similar equipment to motor vehicles, a dedicated ATA would be needed.

The MESF successfully presented to the IMI evidence of market size, worker numbers, complexity of work undertaken and industry sector support before gaining approval for development of its own ATA to begin.

A Working Group of industry experts comprising installation technicians, business owners and representatives from industry organisations is being assembled to steer the development of the ATA.

If any readers with an interest in the installation of aftermarket electronic, electrical and security devices would like to join the working group or be kept up to date with developments please contact the MESF.

MESF General Secretary, Jeff Marshall MIMI says, “Our industry sector has for too long been the poor relation of the motor industry. As independent retailers and installers we have suffered from the negative attitude of the motor manufacturers and their dealer networks to equipment not included as standard on their vehicles. In reality our installation technicians are exceptionally skilled; they treat as normal the successful and safe integration of complex electronic devices into equally complex motor vehicles many years before the motor manufacturers list the devices as options or standard equipment.

By having the same accreditation for technicians through the IMI and ATA, our industry sector will have the status it deserves as a significant part of the motor industry.

Vehicle owners, fleet operators and other vehicle users will have the confidence to use the independent aftermarket and ignore any more negative statements from the motor manufacturers and their dealer networks.”