Manchester Solutions

From 4th July 2010, all Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) technicians working with cars and car derived vans, must have achieved as a minimum requirement, a refrigerant handling qualification which fulfils the European Union F Gas Regulation (EC842/2006 and Annex to Regulation EC307/2008).

Below you will see the three ways which IMI Awards offer solutions to the EC regulations. By offering any or indeed all of these courses at your centre now, it will allow the industry time to train and meet the regulatory requirements before the deadline, which is less than 18 months away!

Level 3 Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006)
This VRQ, which is approved by DEFRA, offers a single unit solution that provides experienced automotive Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) technicians with evidence that they meet the minimum F gas requirement (EC842/2006 and annex EC307/2008). Successful candidates will be issued with a certificate which shows they are compliant.
Qualification Ref: 500/4225/7

Level 3 Certificate in Automotive Air Conditioning and Climate Control (EC842-2006)
This qualification provides automotive technicians the opportunity to develop new Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) skills and enhance existing ones. Successful candidates will be issued with a certificate which shows they meet the minimum F gas requirements and have the essential knowledge required by air conditioning diagnostic technicians. This DEFRA approved VRQ, contains 3 mandatory units:
- AC1 Refrigerant Handling (EC842/2006 inc annex EC307/2008)
- AC2 Mobile Air Conditioning Principles
- AC3 Advanced Diagnostics for MAC and Climate Control Systems
Qualification Ref: 500/4229/4


ATA Air Conditioning Routes
The ATA assessments routes are for individuals with experience of working with air conditioning or hold a recognised qualification and a minimum level of post qualification industry experience. Successful candidates will be issued with an ATA card which shows they are regulatory compliant.

There are three levels of accreditation:
- Refrigerant Handler
- AC Service Technician
- AC Diagnostic Technician

All qualifications are now available at the Greater Manchester SkillCentre.

For further details contact your current Automotive and logistics Solutions representative or call us on 0845 602 5481.


IRTEC Licensing
Irtec is a renewable voluntary testing and assessment scheme that certifies the theoretical and practical skills of PCV, heavy, heavy goods and light commercial vehicle technicians. An irtec licence proves a commitment to safety and demonstrable professional development by both the technician and employer.

The IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) is offering all irtec Licence holders the opportunity to become members of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), without having to pay the usual £20 application fee. In addition, for those who sign up for membership at the CV Show, there will be a further 10% discount on the actual membership fee

Irtec licensing is an excellent way to check the competence of any technician that has undergone formal "time served" training. It can be used in a number of different ways, from checking competence at interview through to pay scale grading. Therefore, irtec would be of use to both employers and manufacturers to enhance training of technicians, from manufacturers’ courses through to generic courses at local colleges.

Automotive and Logistics Solutions can arrange Irtec licensing through Manchester College. For further details contact your current Automotive Solutions representative or call us on 0845 602 5481.