A new assessment for those working in vehicle cosmetic repair has been added to the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

The role of a technician working in this area has become a mixture of the three conventional bodyshop disciplines: mechanical/electrical/trim, panel and paint.

Following demand from the sector the specific ATA assessment has been developed, with three skill levels, and in alignment with the PAS125 standards.

With investment support from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), the IMI, who governs the scheme, has been able to develop this new route via a collaborative approach with employers and training providers.

Industry partners who took part in the pilot included Autorestore, Dent Devils, Thatcham, S&B Automotive, GTG and Revive.