LTA landbased technician qualification launched to aftermarket professionals

The successful LTA technicians qualification has now been extended to include parts, service and aftermarket managers.

Administered by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the scheme is independently accredited with regular skills updating and testing, underpinned by all the major manufacturers. Supported by the AEA₃, Lantra₄, BAGMA₅ and FTMTA₆, the scheme is  endorsed by the Health & Safety Executive and the NFU, as well as leading insurance companies such as the NFU Mutual, BIB, Farmers & Mercantile and Towergate.

An LTA qualification signifies an individual has been independently assessed and can demonstrate his or her dedication and industry competence.    Managers from the aftermarket sector will typically have run a sizeable department with suitable training accumulated over a minimum of 5 years, accredited under the LTA scheme.  They will also

have undergone specialist training in eight or more business disciplines including subjects such as parts and service department fundamentals, aftermarket marketing and sales, dealership financials, personnel management and health and safety.

By employing an LTA qualified individual, whether a service or  parts manager, a technician or choosing a dealer with LTA registered employees, customers can be confident that their equipment is being serviced by the best in the industry, said Chris Whetnall, chief executive of IAgrE.

1. The LTA scheme is administered by IAgrE on behalf of the landbased engineering sector.

2. IAgrE is the professional body for scientists, technologists, engineers, academics, managers and students working in the Land Based sector.

3. AEA is the trade association for British manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery.  

4. Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the landbased sector

5. BAGMA is the trade association for farm and groundcare machinery dealers across the UK

6. FTMTA is the farm tractor and machinery trade association for Ireland.

The LTA scheme originally comprised of  four categories or tiers.

• LTA 1 For apprentices (on recognised programmes) or more skilled/mature entrants not yet otherwise assessed and categorised.
• LTA 2 For newly qualified apprentices or assessed skilled technician meeting the required criteria.
• LTA 3 For the skilled and experienced technician who has successfully attended a series of assessed course programmes may be a product specialist.
• LTA 4 For the professional technician having a proven and assessed track record.  Additional assessment criteria are included to demonstrate exceptional diagnostic and technical ability together with customer and technical mentoring skills.