• Mobile assessment helps motor technicians gain vital ATA qualification
• Urgent Gas Handling Alert!
• The ‘new’ Axone Smart from TEXA
Mobile assessment helps motor technicians gain vital ATA qualification
Motor technicians in charge of car parts can now gain vital industry qualifications without having to travel hundreds of miles to get accredited.
S&B Automotive Academy CEO Jon Winter: “…it is vital that motor technicians show they are competent in the job they do and our mobile assessors will clearly help raise the standards across the sector.”
Up until now part technicians wanting to become Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) qualified would have to travel to one of the few academies or colleges in the country that offers the assessment.
But now S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol has set up the country’s first team of mobile assessors that will travel to where ever the assessment is needed, transforming the way the motor industry checks the competence of those working in the sector.
It means technicians can get assessed without having to leave the workplace saving huge amounts of time in terms of travel, overnight stays and time lost at the workplace. It will also save huge outlay in terms of money.
Jon Winter, chief executive at S&B Automotive Academy said: “Garage owners and technicians take the ATA standard very seriously and are keen to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining skill levels.
“However many said the need to travel often inhibited them from getting the qualification. We constantly look at how the academy can improve its service, so having taken on board what garage owners and technicians said, have put in place this very flexible approach to deliver a highly regarded qualification.”
ATA is the UK motor industry’s voluntary scheme that tests both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technicians. The industry-wide initiative identifies those who have not only proven their competence in their job but also signed a professional Code of Conduct.
It means motorists and employers of technicians know they are up to the job.
Jon added: “As the industry standard ATA is becoming more and more important. That’s because motorists will only use those garages and technicians that are accredited.
“It’s a bit like using a Gas Safe (previously CORGI) registered gas engineer so it is vital that motor technicians show they are competent in the job they do and our mobile assessors will clearly help raise the standards across the sector.”
The academy currently trains 600 students a year with courses ranging from pre-apprenticeships, through apprenticeships for those working in the motor industry, management training and other short courses.
A leader in the automotive sector, the academy received a platinum SkillMiles award from Prince Michael of Kent. The award was presented by the Institute of Motor Industry in recognition of its work in meeting the skills needs of the automotive industry.
For further information visit the website on www.sandbaa.com or telephone 0117 953 3001.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Urgent Gas Handling Alert!
Since their entry into the air conditioning service market, Trade Group have rapidly become leading experts in the field and their Trademaster T9100 air conditioning machine has become a popular choice for many garages and Air Conditioning specialists across the UK. Always keen to support the aftermarket, Trade Group are informing anyone involved with air-conditioning servicing about the new F-Gas regulations that require all personnel handling and recovering fluorinated refrigerant gases, to have the new refrigerant handling qualification by July 4th 2010.
These qualifications have now been adopted by City & Guilds of London Institute (C&G) and the Institute of Motor Industry Awards Limited (IMIAL.) After 4th of July 2010 only personnel possessing one of these qualifications will be considered as legally qualified to take delivery, handle, and recover fluorinated refrigerant gases. The consequences of continuing to recover, transfer or handle refrigerant without the relevant qualifications are punishable by law.
Trade Group members in conjunction with market leaders Autoclimate, can now offer this certification at a very competitive price, with courses either conveniently at customer’s premises or at their central location. Anybody involved with the handling and recovery of fluorinated refrigerant gases is encouraged to quickly contact Trade Group to book their places before the July 4th deadline!
Contact 0845 644 4054
enquiries@thetradegroup.uk.com or your local Trade Group member.
MOT Workshop Magazine
The ‘new’ Axone Smart from TEXA
The Axone ‘Smart’ is designed to carry out simple and effective auto-diagnosis. It is a new generation tool replacing the classic Axone 2000, with all the required updates provided by today’s technology. The standard software is upgradeable for additional information by going from ‘Light’ to ‘Plus’ software. All this is available through the Axone Smart which is the latest in the range of Axone tools. It has been designed for customers who don’t require a wireless connection, but desire the coverage of the latest generation tools.
When using the Axone Smart; the technician may take advantage of everything TEXA has to offer including its high quality products and technology.
The Hardware
The tool’s case is specifically designed for a workshop environment. It has a bright 5.7 TFT and 65.536 QVGA colour touch screen which can be viewed perfectly from any angle. Its lithium battery allows approximately 10 hours of continuous use and recharges rapidly. The Intel 520 Mhz processor is supported by the 64 Mb SDRAM which allows a drastic reduction in connection time with the ECU. This is due to TEXA’s exclusive software.
Software: The unbeatable IDC3
The Axone Smart is used with TEXA’s IDC3 software which is considered to be one of the simplest and most intuitive services on the market. The Axone Smart comes pre-loaded with the IDC3 POCKET Light, which includes a full suite of self-diagnostic functions plus datasheets for error interpretation. A simple menu guides the technician through the vehicle selection process and then provides a choice of vehicle systems available.
The IDC3 POCKET software offers the exclusive TGS2 function, ‘TEXA Global Scan’, which allows the automatic diagnosis of the ECUs within the vehicle and provides system availability and error status. This innovative system allows the technician to leave the tool to work ‘on its own’ during the first few minutes following the initial connection, and then return to the completed analysis. The Axone Smart provides coverage on vehicle makes and models, including light commerical vechicle.
The indepth IDC3 POCKET Light software allows acces to all the advanced functions such as parameter reading and statuses, regulations and activations, electronic component settings, ECU and key coding. The Axone Smart’s diagnostic resources include all electronic systems within modern vehicles from engine management to auxiliary control systems. Among the most common systems are the active and passive security devices, power steering, suspension, body computer, instrument panel, multifunctional display, steering electronics, entertainment system controls (audio, CD player, mobile, TV, etc.), keyless devices, automatic transmission, braking and traction systems, climate control and auxiliary heating.
Need more – Not a problem!
Should the technician feel they require the integrated database and further information; this is not a problem. All that is required for this is an upgrade to Plus Software and, without having to purchase any additional hardware, the technician may view all all the technical information and wiring diagrams provided by TEXA’s software on the tool’s screen.
Upgrading from IDC3 POCKET Light to IDC3 POCKET Plus is a quick and easy transition that gives you access to additional help with repair procedures.
The Plus software includes vehicle electrical wiring diagrams and allows viewing of particulars relative to the single sections and each single component. These include descriptive diagrams regarding electronic components, images, videos and guided procedures. The technical bulletins provide professional and detailed information to known electrical faults and errors. It then provides the correct repair procedure. The IDC3 POCKET Plus software includes all the indispensable mechanical information required to tackle all aspects of each vehicle or to correctly carry out any programmed management interventions.
For further information contact TEXA UK Ltd on 01282 606787 or visit their website www.texa.co.uk.
MOT Workshop Magazine
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