A new IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) awards centre has been officially opened in Dublin. Located at the premises of Diagnostic Solutions in the South City Business Centre, Tallaght, the new award centre will provide an invaluable training resource for the motor trade, as it looks to meet the challenges of changing vehicle technology.

The Centre was officially opened by Sarah Sillars O.B.E. IMI Executive Chair, at the start of March, with a formal presentation also attended by Colin Reed M.D. of Diagnostic Solutions Ltd and IMI Leinster Chairman David O’Neill.

Prior to the official opening, the centre had already completed a programme for Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) Fast Fit Tech 1 on behalf of the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA).

ATA is a voluntary technician training scheme, which raises professional standards in the aftermarket. It is open to franchised and independent garage technicians and the scheme is backed by all major vehicle manufacturers and independent service and repair organisations. It has already proven to be hugely successful in the UK on many levels, such as health and safety, customer care, current professional competence and increased profitability by those who participated.

The new IMI Award Centre will offer a wide range of programmes including the in demand F Gas Certification Refrigerant Handling, now a legal requirement for air-conditioning servicing.  Other programmes available will include: ATA Fast Fit Technician 1 & 2, ATA Parts Advisor, ATA Customer Service, ATA Panel Technicians, ATA Cosmetic Repair, ATA Motorcycle, ATA Light Vehicle Technicians, ATA Air-conditioning Technicians,  

There will also be a series of Quality Assured Day Seminars, in areas such as Vehicle Diagnostics, CAN bus, Hybrid Sensor Technology, Fuel injection Systems, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), and the very latest industry information and technologies.

For more information contact Colin Reed, Mark Reed or Fiona O’Malley at Diagnostic Solutions Ltd, 01-413-1330 or David O'Neill MIMI on 086-275-9710.