IMI launches vehicle recycling standard
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has taken another important step in setting the standards for professional recognition in the automotive aftermarket with the publication of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for vehicle recycling.
Developed by the IMI in collaboration with key stakeholders in the vehicle recycling and insurance sector, the new standards focus on the safe dismantling and depollution of all types of vehicles, which will be invaluable to the complete vehicle disposal ecosystem, including insurance companies and green parts operators.
It also covers disposal of electric vehicles, providing the sector with a genuinely future-proofed guide to the industry.
Steve Nash, CEO, said: “With environmental sustainability now front of mind for all parts of society, there is a huge opportunity for those working with end-of-life vehicles to go a step further. Giving them the ability to demonstrate the high standards applied through all parts of their operations, the IMI has developed the new standards with specific focus on the Vehicle Dismantler role, including depollution processes and the grading of the ‘green’ parts to be re-used.
“Crucially, we have developed these standards in close collaboration with key stakeholders; including the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA) and the British Vehicle Salvage Federation (BVSF), as well as employers, industry experts and other relevant organisations to ensure the NOS are fit for purpose for the current and future shape of automotive recycling. Recognising the workload pressures within the sector, the standards have also been designed to be easy to train, and able to be adopted in bite-sized modules.”
NOS are used to help develop qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as the IMI accreditation scheme across the UK. The standards describe what individuals in a certain role should be able to do and the knowledge and understanding they need. Employers and Training Organisations alike can use them to help design their in-house training, on-the-job coaching or performance management systems. They also provide an important benchmark for employers when it comes to recruitment.
Nash said: “Certification for Vehicle Dismantlers, under the new NOS, will provide a real opportunity to show pride in the industry, and at the same time improve the credibility of the sector. Plus, when professionals have clear standards to operate within, the health and safety record of the industry as a whole will be improved.”
