8th October 2005
Europa Academy Awarded Approved Assessment Status by IMI
Europa Academy, Swords Co. Dublin, is today celebrating being awarded Approved Assessment Centre Status by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), becoming the only Institute in the country to be awarded the prestigious honour. This milestone in the establishment of Europa Academy’s educational credentials means that the Academy, which has been running courses since March of this year, will now be able to accredit participants with industry recognised qualifications.
The Irish motor sector is currently valued at about €4 billion annually and this figure is expected to rise over the next number of years. Europa Academy represents a €10 million investment in this market and with this award new opportunities for the institute are expected, with Europa Academy uniquely poised in the Ireland, being the only institute of its kind.
Ms. Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive IMI, will officially announce the award at a ceremony to by held by Europa Academy and IMI on Tuesday 8th of November in the Swords based institute.
Europa Academy is a ground breaking third level training academy, specifically designed to promote the development of professionals in a wide cross section of industries, with particular emphasis on the motor industry. People attending courses in Europa Academy are tutored by a team of highly qualified and dedicated people, who come with a wealth of experience and recognised qualifications in their area of expertise.
Opened by An Táoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D, in June of this year, Europa Academy has been receiving attendees from countries such as Israel, Greece and South Africa and has a rapidly increasing reputation of being a centre of excellence. The Approved Assessment Status will serve to improve the Academy’s reputation on a global level, opening the doors to Irish training methods coming more in demand.
The IMI spearheaded the launch this summer of Automotive Technician Accreditation, which is the industry’s first voluntary accreditation system for proving the current competence of car technicians.
The Academy's core programme is the Master Technician qualification - which is now a requirement in every dealership. Europa Academy also offers courses in Management, Sales, Finance and Customer Service personnel. The rewarding of this new status puts Europa Academy in a unique position to present IMI Quality Assured Awards to those motor industry professionals who complete their designated courses.
Speaking at the ceremony Mr. Pat Lyons, CEO Europa Academy, said, “It’s a delight to be recognised in this way. The team here have put in an extra-ordinary effort over the last number of months since we’ve opened and the hard work and dedication is paying off. We hope to continue setting the bar higher and helping people get the best out of themselves”.
Ms. Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive IMI, said, “The IMI is delighted that Europa Academy has become the Republic of Ireland’s first approved centre for conducting the ATA assessments.”
She Continued, “It is clear to me that this fantastic new facility will be seen as a focal point for training excellence in the motor industry, which has international appeal. Equally, the launch last year of a National Training Programme for the Irish Motor Industry, in association with SIMI, provides an excellent platform from which to engage and develop new recruits into the industry. We look forward to working with the Academy in helping to recognise and value these individuals as they progress their careers.”
For more information contact Yvonne Le Quement on +33 (0) 621 644 028
