Bowker BMW veteran is a master technician seven times over

Harold Bowden has passed his BMW master technician accreditation for the seventh time and is the only one in England to retain the certification for so long.

Bowden, who has worked with Bowker BMW for 45 years, will have been a master technician for 35 years by the time his next re-certification is due in five years' time.

He said: “I love the BMW technology. So, when I immerse myself in the details - it doesn’t feel quite so much like hard work in the way others might think. Add to that, I have the support of a great employer in Bowker Motor Group. They always back me. So, those two things combined make a big difference when I challenge myself to achieve the master technician accreditation.

“Yes. It’s quite a high level of knowledge - but it needs to be. I do a lot of training in my own time - at weekends and evenings. And fortunately, I’m genuinely interested in BMW cars so it makes it a little easier for me. Technology is always changing. There are new hybrids and the all-electric models coming through; so there are always new engine developments or new gadgets to widen my mechanical knowledge.”

Bowden has also achieved the title of AAE (advanced automotive engineer) which is a special engineering grade awarded by the Institute of the Motor industry. And in 2005 Harold was also one of the first technicians to receive the IMI ATA Master Technician grade.

In 2015, BMW UK recognised his achievements by presenting him with a lifetime achievement award from BMW UK, another first in England. 

Stewart Rose, Bowker Motor Group Group Services Manager, said: “Harold is an inspiration to us all. I, myself, have worked for Bowker Motor Group for over 36 years. So, I know just how hard Harold has worked to stay at the top of hsi game for so long. 

“The other technicians know he is always available to help with any challenges they face. It is a massive benefit to have someone so knowledgeable as part of our team. Congratulations Harold. And we look forward to celebrating your seven accreditation in five more years.”

The five-year reaccreditation tests feature a range of online, practical, diagnostic and theoretical examinations, plus a coaching exercise and customer handling situations.