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Licensing plan for mechanics
Page 13
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• A new licensing system designed to help safeguard companies against unscrupulous vehicle mechanics and dangerous practices will begin next year.
Under a phased introduction beginning in April 2003, technical members of the motor industry's professional body, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) will carry out continuing professional development (CPU) on a voluntary basis over two years. This will become a mandatory requirement for maintaining full 1M1 membership across all disciplines from 2005.
The 25,000-strong IMI believes it will help kickstart a concerted industry trend for technicians to remain up-todate with new technologies.
It says a move towards licensing individuals would provide a more radical solution to raising standards and consumer confidence. If the scheme proves a success it could encourage the government to pass new laws to cover all vehicle technicians.
"At present, it is possible to trade without any qualifications, which is a ridiculous situation," says IMI chief executive Sarah Siliars. "History has shown that voluntary accreditation schemes simply confuse consumers."
The Road Haulage Association supports the institute's proposal: "We have got a system already but it is not a formal one," says a spokesman. "However, a scheme being introduced by a particular lobby or association would be welcomed by us."