Significant performance increases are achieved at workshops that have adopted IRTE irtec inspection accreditation, according to an independent study by IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry).
Areas covered by the study included MOT first-time pass rates, productivity, financial benefits and meeting operator requirements around OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score. It also examined technician confidence, competence and professional recognition.
One company reported an eight-fold increase in achieving 100% MOT first-time pass rates, commensurate with a 66% reduction in PRS, as well as a 200% return on investment.
The benefits and return were achieved directly from performance gains in the 12 months during which technicians went through the irtec Inspection Technician licence process.
Yet, according to IMI's findings, the heavy vehicle sector is least likely to agree that investment in training will help businesses to survive, with just 53% sharing this view.
IMI's study also suggests that only 19% of companies believe that investing in training has an impact on productivity, despite 28% reporting skills gaps in their workforce.
"The aim of the IMI's Return on Investment project is to compile compelling case studies about automotive companies generating tangible benefits from their investment in technical training and staff development," comments Paul Spear, head of the IMI's Return on Investment Programme.
"The irtec study has provided perfect examples of this and we believe that the information it provides will be of great value to the future success of the heavy vehicle sector, as well as delivering a powerful message about the benefits of investing in skills."