Autoglass unveils new Automotive Technician Accreditation centre
In keeping with its commitment to innovation in delivering the very highest quality and safety standards, Autoglass, the leading vehicle glass windscreen repair and replacement company, has today unveiled its new Automotive Technician Accreditation centre in its Waterford facility.
The new ATA centre, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used as a location for the comprehensive training of Autoglass staff to meet the internationally recognised Automotive Technician Accreditation.
The ATA demonstrates to customers that the technician who has fitted their replacement glass has achieved the highest levels of technical competence and professional responsibility in the repair of vehicle glass.
The ATA process is monitored independently by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) who oversee practical skills tests and knowledge based exams that must be retaken every five years.
Autoglass is honoured that the Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, Noel Brett, attended the official opening today, demonstrating the commitment of both Autoglass and the RSA to the highest standards of vehicle safety.
Autoglass has undertaken this initiative not only to achieve the highest possible safety standards but also to differentiate itself from competitors who do not apply similar levels of rigour and training to their work, nor are they required to under present regulations.
Speaking at the opening, Mr Brett commented “Autoglass is to be congratulated for opening this ATA centre and I am delighted to be here today on behalf of the Road Safety Authority to preside over today’s event. While much progress has been made in recent years to reduce the number of deaths on Irish roads, we have still some distance to go to meet the best international standards.
“Clearly improvements in vehicle safety are an important part of this, and I applaud Autoglass for ensuring that all their technicians achieve the highest possible standards of training.”
The General Manager of Autoglass Ireland, Mr Heiner Herz added “Autoglass has voluntarily developed this centre and the ATA process in an attempt to proactively introduce a proper level of vehicle glass repair and replacement qualifications into the Irish market. At present, the sector is largely unregulated and anyone can start-up a windscreen fitting business without any qualifications and standards.
“This is a potentially very serious situation given that a properly fitted windscreen accounts for up to 30% of the structural integrity of a vehicle.
“Autoglass is embarking on a campaign to highlight the importance of properly fitted windscreens and will be bringing our findings to industry partners and relevant authorities in the coming weeks.”
