IMI publishes National Occupational Standards for Vehicle Recycling

Major collaboration sees standards set for the dismantling and depollution of vehicles at end-of-life

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.

The Institute of the Motor Industry is responsible for setting the National Occupational Standards for all areas of the automotive sector. The IMI have already set more than twenty NOS for those working in the motor industry, providing a global benchmark for quality and professionalism. Adding vehicle recycling to the list improves the overall image of the industry, helping to grow sales, reduce errors and accidents and increase profits.

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.

Commenting on the industry-leading initiative, Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI 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.”

Mark Jones, Founder of ELV Training, is launching a series of training solutions built specifically for the depollution and recycling of both conventional and alternatively powered vehicles. “Vocational training that complies with current End-of-Life Vehicle regulations and aligns with the IMI’s newly developed standards is critical for the industry”, says Mark. “Conventional petrol and diesel vehicles are set to be banned from sale in 2030, with hybrids following shortly after in 2035, and so the vehicle recycling sector can expect to see huge uplifts in the numbers of vehicles being processed.

“The rapid adoption of electric vehicles as an alternative will also mean that Vehicle Dismantlers will require additional specialist training to understand the risks with high voltage vehicles. The IMI’s standards are coming at exactly the right time, providing a clear and practical framework to respond to the biggest changes in the motor industry since the invention of the internal combustion engine, and that’s why we have chosen to incorporate the NOS into our training syllabus. We are incredibly excited to engage with Authorised Treatment Facilities and support them for the future of vehicle dismantling and recycling.”

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.

“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”, concludes Steve Nash. “Plus, when professionals have clear standards to operate within, the health and safety record of the industry as a whole will be improved.”

To download the NOS for End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling click here