At Copart, we recognise the importance of continuously upskilling our engineers and are committed to providing the necessary training and support to achieve industry compliance and provide the highest levels of accuracy and quality to our insurance customers.
As our business continues to grow, alongside increasing volumes of more specialist and technologically advanced vehicles – including electric and hybrid – entering the total loss arena, we are determined to stay ahead of the game and be seen as an industry leader when it comes to the training and development of our people.
We have made significant investment into the personal development of our engineers, working closely with Thatcham Research and training provider PAAS Ltd to support them in achieving industry recognised qualifications.
Across our 75-strong engineering force, we currently have 21 Vehicle Damage Evaluators (VDEs) on career paths towards a VDA Apprenticeship with Copart.
15 have completed – or are undergoing – IMI Level 3 NVQ with PAAS Ltd or Level 4 Standard with Thatcham Research, in Vehicle Motor Studies. The remainder of the VDEs are due to commence their studies in the coming year.
We are delighted to work alongside Thatcham Research, who are so well respected within the automotive industry, having established over 50 years of knowledge, experience, and influence.
The training syllabus includes identifying and recording damage using digital image technology, assessing current market value, interpreting and accurately applying estimating software systems, and assessing vehicle repair methods, costs and duration.
Students are also trained on current H&S car related legislation, and are assessed on skills such as accuracy, working to deadlines, and verbal and written communication.
In line with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Categorisation of Motor Vehicle Salvage, our VDEs also have, or are on a pathway to be AQP accredited. Since October 2017, only an ‘Appropriately Qualified Person’ has authority to categorise vehicle salvage and input the code onto the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR).
They join other accredited engineers across our business to provide a total of just under 50 teammates holding AQP (Appropriately Qualified Person) status, further strengthening and supporting capacity across our 15 UK Operation Centres.
“As the largest provider of total loss engineering in the country, it’s vital we keep investing into the training and development of our engineers so we can provide world-class levels of service and expertise to our insurance customers on an increasingly complex range of vehicles, enabling swift and accurate claim settlement.
From a personal perspective, we are pleased to invest into engineers of the future by providing a clear and solid career path and we are continuing to work closely with Thatcham Research and PAAS Ltd to ensure that our engineering personnel are given the necessary training and support to achieve industry recognised qualifications.”
Russ England, Engineering Services Manager
Read about Copart’s first female engineer, or find out more about Copart’s other awards and accolades.