The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has announced figures showing that vehicle technician training is a key priority in the motor industry.

The IGA is continuously assessing the needs of independent garages in order to develop future training courses and has trained over 3,500 independent technicians in the past year alone, with further courses booked up.

This is not the only move that the IGA is making to maintain high standards of technical skills in the independent garage sector; the organisation is working to increase the number of school-leavers joining the industry.

IGA director Stuart James said: “The IGA is committed to supporting its members, independent garages across the UK, which we believe are wrongly criticised for a lack of investment in training. Better informed and trained staff, as we know, helps ensure profitability and loyalty of our members' customers. What's more, with the continued growth in the level of technology found in modern motor vehicles, it's imperative that technicians stay abreast of the changes, especially with a greater number of hybrid and electrical vehicles coming onto the market.

“From reviewing the statistics on numbers going through and completing our courses, we are encouraged that this is not the case, and we have the resources in place to deliver our training packages to many more.”

All courses are accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) which allow CPD credit for technicians and all are provided on site at members' garages.