The Quality Assured Award (QAA), independently verified by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Awards, follows a practical panel welding, joining and repair training programme which the Mazda Academy Training offers to all Mazda approved accident repairers. IMI awards formally recognise training programmes throughout the retail motor industry.

More than 90 bodyshop technicians have attended the Mazda Quality Academy Training course since it was launched in March and the Academy aims to have every approved bodyshop accredited within the next six months.

Mazda has a total of 156 Approved Accident Repair Centres of which 73 have completed the panel course and so far more than 50 have gone on to gain additional QAA accreditation.

Everyone attending the course must have at least two years’ experience in vehicle body accident repair including welding tasks. The course trains and assesses their ability in joining techniques, welder set-up, basic panel repair and adjustments to bolt on panels to a Mazda level of competence. The course covers both theory and practical work.

“The award means that customers know they are receiving the highest standard of quality from Mazda’s approved accident repair network,” said David Wilson-Green, Aftersales Director.

“The training also helps to improve the relationship between service managers and aftersales departments at Mazda’s dealers and the approved accident repair centre and that means that Mazda’s customers are the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.

Mazda Panel Technicians who successfully pass this course can claim further certification from IMI Awards. This QAA qualification is recognised by The British Standards Institute (BSi) and proves continuous personal development for the technician in keeping up to date with correct industry repair methods. The QAA qualification also counts towards IMI membership.