This announcement follows the recent graduation of 16 Vehicle Damage Evaluators, who having already achieved IMI NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance, have now successfully passed their IMI NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Damage Assessment.
The Level 3 diploma covers areas including knowledge of estimating systems, vehicle salvage categorisation, competency in appraising vehicle damage and establishing correct vehicle repair methods. The successful graduates will now have a solid foundation for working towards full engineering qualifications, and Copart have already committed to developing them onto their Level 4 diploma in association with Thatcham Research's Automotive Academy.
Russ England, Engineering Services Manager, said: "The rising number of electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside ever-more complex technology, means it is essential for engineers who are responsible for damage assessment to have highly detailed levels of knowledge and competency in handling and categorising an increasing number of specialist vehicles.
We recognise the importance of continuously upskilling our engineers to ensure that our insurance customers receive professional, accurate reports which enable them to process the claim correctly with quicker turnaround times.
Copart's commitment to the ongoing personal development of its engineers is now supported by a regional engineering platform which was introduced in 2019. As part of a structure review, regional team leader roles were introduced alongside dedicated trainers for each region.
"We are proud to be able to offer a clear and solid career path within engineering at Copart, which provides ongoing personal development and the opportunity to gain recognised and professional qualifications." England said. "We are not only ensuring that as a business we are providing the highest levels of service and expertise to our insurance customers to allow accurate, quicker settlement of claims, but we are also investing into the Copart engineers of the future."
Since the new Code of Practice for the Categorisation of Motor Vehicle Salvage came into effect in 2017, Copart have been committed to providing their engineers with the necessary training and support to achieve industry compliance and provide the highest levels of accuracy and quality to their insurance customers.
In line with the Code of Practice requirements, the business also currently has just under 50 engineers who have, or are on a pathway to be accredited with, AQP (Appropriately Qualified Person) status, further strengthening and supporting capacity across their 15 UK operations centres.
Going forward, Copart will be also be exploring IMI Level 2 qualifications in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel.
Phil Briggs, Director of Operations Centres, Transport & Engineering, said: "As the biggest independent provider of total loss engineering in the country, Copart are committed to providing the highest levels of expertise to our insurance customers and have made a significant investment into supporting our engineering employees to achieve industry recognised qualifications.
"We are continuing to prepare for the inevitable increase of more specialist and technologically advanced vehicles over the next few years and will remain ahead of the game with the training and development of our people."
Find out more on used and salvage remarketing specialist Copart UK Limited.